A Clear Path to Semicha for Working Men

Communicated Content

Rabbi Moshe Dovid Cohen explains how TorahMaster’s structured online program enables busy professionals to pursue Semicha while balancing work and family life.

Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz shlita of Kehillas Ohr Somayach, Yerushalayim, writes:

“One who studies the material and listens to the shiur will not only learn the bottom-line Halacha, but will have a solid understanding of how that Halacha was developed.”

Who Is This Program Designed For?

The program is designed for men who aspire to learn Halacha seriously and work toward Semicha, but whose current commitments do not allow them to learn full-time.

It accommodates a wide range of learning backgrounds. Some participants have little or no formal yeshiva experience, while others spent many years learning in Kollel.

Many are balancing work and family responsibilities, while others have more flexible schedules. What they all share is a commitment to consistent Torah learning and a desire to deepen their understanding of Halacha.

TorahMaster provides the structure, guidance, and support that many aspiring learners have been looking for.

How Is TorahMaster Different From a Regular Weekly Shiur?

The goal is not simply to know the practical Halacha. It is to understand how the Halacha develops.

Participants begin with the Gemara, continue through the Rishonim and Shulchan Aruch, and follow the discussion until arriving at the practical Halacha. This approach allows them to appreciate the reasoning behind the psak, rather than learning only the final conclusion.

This method has been warmly endorsed by senior Rabbanim.

How Is the Program Structured?

The program runs for twelve months.

Each week, participants receive carefully prepared Hebrew source sheets accompanied by clear English explanations. They then join a live Zoom shiur to learn through the material together, discuss the sources, and ask questions.

The program also follows the Jewish calendar, allowing participants to study the Halachos of each Moed before it arrives. The learning is therefore immediately relevant and can be put into practice right away.

The result is a structured learning experience that is accessible and enjoyable without sacrificing the depth and rigor of serious Halacha learning.

What Kind of Time Commitment Does the Program Require?

The weekly live Zoom shiur lasts approximately one hour.

For participants who prepare the Hebrew source sheets independently, preparation generally takes around two hours. Alternatively, carefully reviewing the English source sheets takes approximately 30 minutes.

The total weekly time commitment is between 1½ and 3 hours, depending on each participant’s background and preferred learning approach.

Do Participants Receive Support During the Program?

Very much so.

The weekly shiur is only one part of the program. Participants regularly submit questions by email during the week, and personal Zoom sessions can be arranged when additional help is needed.

Participants are not left to work through the material alone. The goal is to guide and support each person throughout the entire learning process.

What Do Participants Gain by the End of the Year?

Completing the program and earning Semicha in Hilchos Moadim is a significant achievement.

Beyond the qualification itself, participants develop the confidence to navigate the sources independently and gain a much deeper appreciation of the Halachic process. These skills continue to strengthen their learning for years to come.