Semikha
Maharat’s signature learning program, Core Semikha, offers rabbinic ordination to women throughout the world, both in person and online. Tehila, Maharat’s advanced semikha program in partnership with Ein Hanatziv, serves women in Israel.
Select a Semikha Program
Core Semikha
What is Core Semikha?
Taught over four years, Core Semikha combines the traditional Orthodox ordination curriculum, focused on mastery of key sections of Jewish law, with insightful pastoral and leadership education and practical rabbinic skills.
The pillars of the Core Semikha curriculum are:
How to apply to Core Semikha
Applications for admissions generally open each year in November and are due in January or February. Applications include:
Written application
This includes sections about your educational background, Jewish history, personal statements, and two references.
Learning Skills Assessment (LSA)
Applicants offered an LSA will meet with a Maharat faculty member to discuss your learning experiences and assess your Hebrew and Aramaic reading and translation skills, understanding of concepts and structures in Talmud and key commentaries, and capacity for learning advancement.
Admissions Interview
Selected applicants meet with members of the admissions committee for a formal interview that will include questions about Judaism, leadership, spirituality, and the preparation of a dvar Torah.
Tehila: Advanced Semikha
Tehila: Ein Hanatziv-Maharat Advanced Semikha
תְּהִלָּה – תכנית הסמכה למורות הלכה
Tehila is a joint program between Maharat and Midreshet Ein Hanatziv on the campus of Ein Hanatziv in Israel. The program serves women with at least four to five years of prior beit midrash experience who are working in the Israeli community as Jewish professionals, educators, and communal leaders. It brings together the advanced Torah learning of Ein Hanatziv’s current program with Maharat’s proven rabbinic training, including Jewish law, leadership, and pastoral Torah.
The four-year program is designed for professionals in the field, offering one day per week of in-person learning at Ein Hanatziv, supplemented by chevruta and an annual three to four-day in-person intensive gathering. Coursework includes gemara, along with a rotation of pastoral and leadership training, laying a foundation for creating and sustaining Orthodox women leaders in Israel. In addition to classes, students will benefit from community and resources from both institutions, including job placement and alumnae support.