Geared specifically for your busy 21st century lifestyle
Founded by Rav Elyada Goldvicht, the Semichat Chaver Program (SCP) is an innovative, fast-paced, interactive practical halacha learning program for men.
With material specifically designed to be easily imparted to your family, every shiur includes thought-provoking questions and a dedicated segment on the philosophical meaning behind the topic on hand.
Upon successfully passing a written exam, every member will personally receive a certificate of completion from Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, and Harav Herschel Schachter.
Questions? Email rabbidanzger@bjsd.org
FAQ
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING TO THE SHIUR?
Source sheets will be provided, but anyone who has a Mishna Berurah (Vol. 3) should bring one.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM RUN UNTIL COMPLETION?
The coming semester is focused on the laws of Muktzah. After each section there is a written bechina and a certificate signed by Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Shlomo Amar, and Rabbi Danzger. The certificates will be presented at a special siyum. The program then continues with other areas of Halacha (e.g. Basar B’Chalav). There are separate certificates for each topic.
CAN I JUST LISTEN TO THE RECORDINGS ONLINE AND THEN TAKE THE BECHINA?
No! One of the primary goals of the program is to create a chevra of lomdim. There is an interactive element and an energy created by a group learning together. This is not an online program.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE BECHINA IF I COME TO THE SHIURIM?
No, but you will probably want to. There is nothing like the feeling of having mastered a section of Torah, and having your knowledge put to the test.
WILL THE SHIURIM BE RECORDED? HOW DO I MAKE UP A MISSED SHIUR?
The shiurim will be recorded, but they will not be posted to YUTorah, or any other Torah sites. There is a WhatsApp group for the participants in the shiur and the recordings will be posted to the group.
DO I NEED A CHAVRUSA?
No; there will be no time during the shiur itself for chavrusa learning. Of course, it would be a great idea to get together with a chavrusa at some other time during the week to review the previous week's material.
WHERE DID THE CURRICULUM COME FROM?
The entire program was created by Rav Elyada Goldwicht. He developed the curriculum, arranged for the rabbinic backing of the program, and recruited a growing number of American shuls, to launch the Semichas Chaver Program in America. Rav Elyada has been running it for over a year in Yerushalayim and Beit Shemesh, where he has seen the number of participants double, and people really take to the learning in a serious way. Over 450 people worldwide took the most recent Bechina, and the program is now offered in over 40 communities.
HOW LONG IS EACH SHIUR? WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE SHIUR?
The shiur begins at 8pm until 9:15pm on Monday evenings. It will be broken up into segments to make it feel less long. We spend some time exploring some hashkafic element of the material and then pose a list of practical Halachic questions. Most of the time is spent going through the sources that should provide us with the ability to answer those questions. Occasional short video clips are shown to help explain some of the practical implications of the topics we will be learning about. Review questions are sent through the WhatsApp group. In addition, participants are encouraged to use the group to engage with the material and discuss with other participants.
IS THIS REAL SEMICHA?
No. This is a program geared toward educated lay people who want to be able to answer the most common Halachic questions that come up in the course of daily life. Paskening more challenging and involved questions takes years of full-time learning. You can not use this to officiate at weddings or receive parsonage.
WILL I BE ABLE TO KEEP UP IF IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I HAVE BEEN LEARNING SERIOUSLY?
Yes, provided that you are willing to take it seriously. Every topic will be covered from the ground up and assumes no prior knowledge. This program is geared to intelligent people who want to grow in their learning.
