By COLlive reporter
This past year marked the launch of a new smicha program, Machon Lehora’ah, established by Rabbi Raphael Benchimol, spiritual leader of Manhattan Sephardic Congregation and Director of Aleph Learning Center, and under the guidance of Rosh Yeshiva and Magid Shiur Rabbi Mendel Bennish.
The pioneer Smicha graduates are rabbis Michoel Benjamin, Menachem Biston, Avraham Flinkenstein, Shmuli Kendall, Binyomin Lerner and Mendy Sternbach.
The designated “testing Rav” for the Smicha program is the renowned and widely respected posek, Rabbi Yitzchok Yehuda Yaroslavsky, Chief Rabbi of Kiryat Malachi and head of Chabad Beis Din in Israel. Rabbi Yaroslavsky stated how impressed he was by the students’ overall dedication to their studies and their grasp of the material.
This Smicha program, located on the Upper East Side (UES) of Manhattan, aims to combine top level learning in a serene atmosphere with outreach, in order to enhance the growth and spirituality of the community. Programs include teaching at the Free Hebrew after-school program and learning with members of the community.
The UES Jewish community has been greatly impressed by the rabbinical students in the program.
“We are extremely proud and impressed by the diligence, efforts and Yiras Shamayim shown by the Bochurim throughout the year. We are certain the knowledge and skills they have acquired here at MSC will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Rabbi Benchimol, shliach and founding rabbi of the congregation.
Rabbis Benchimol and Bennish presented Smicha certificates to the students who successfully completed the four chalokim (sections) of the Code of Jewish Law; completing them is required for ordination.
Involved is learning Hilchos Basar Bechalav, Taaruvos, Melicha, and Shabbos, accompanied by knowledge of halachic authorities Tur, Beis Yosef, Mechaber, Rama, Shach, Taz, Pri Megodim and many other commentaries.
These new rabbis achieved that status through countless hours of study under Rabbi Bennish. Rabbi Yaroslavsky thanked Rabbi Bennish for all his hard work and devotion, as well as his efforts and caring regarding the personal needs of the bochurim.
“For the first time, I really enjoyed getting involved in a sugya. I never spent so many hours learning consecutively, while developing a geshmak as well. I really appreciate the directors’ care and help throughout the year,” one bochur stated.
“As we embark upon our second year, we are very enthusiastic about achieving new heights in terms of what this program has to offer. We look forward to accommodating many more sincere bochurim who can appreciate the beauty and benefits of a rich Yeshiva/Smicha learning experience, offered in a well balanced, positive and warm environment,” said Rabbi Benchimol.
“This year was truly remarkable in many respects,” said Rabbi Bennish. “We greatly appreciate the dedication of MSC and of all the donors for making this program possible.”
You were always a leader. Continue mechayil el choyil!
Rumor has it that the popular Rabbi Kendal has been offered a job as assistant rabbi in Kenya.
Many thanks Collive for publicizing this amazing person.
Rabbi shmully we love you,
from your fan club in ghana. #Groupies.
Go Mendy!!! So proud of you!!!
go rafe!
They are the most dedicated and inspiring rabbis. Rabbi Kendal is a master of history, teaching me that the lightbulb was indeed invented by a Canadian, and not an American, as popular culture would have you believe. Rabbi Benjamin is a motivated and proactive force in the Jewish Community, assisting outreach programs all over the world, currently serving in South Africa, helping to run an amazing winter program for the entire Jewish Youth of not only Johannesburg, but also Capetown.
Muchos Gracias, you are my shining light.
S.C
Mazel tov Mendel! I am so proud of you! Keep giving nachas to the Rebbe!
Go Flinky we’re so proud of you you should continue to influence the people around you for the good from strength to strength and bring moshiach soon in our time
We love you binny were so proud
so proud of you Michoel, I knew you could do it..you are so determined and you can achieve so much in your life… hatzlocha rabba in all your future endeavors…love you dearly, the benjamin clan…..
A true protege, who is wise beyond his years. Any community would be lucky to have him serve as their rabbi. A kind man with a gentle disposition, he truly the best of the best. Mazal tov Mazal tov!!! May you go from strength to strength and continue your great work of hafotzo.
When I met rabbi kendall I was in a very dark place and I felt like my life was sleeping through my hands, and one day I decided to discuss this with him and he helped me with everything, from advice on life to halacha dilemmas, and I look at him as a true chosid and as a mentor in every part of my life…..
We should all be like shmuli.
I want to wish him a mazal tov and you should continue to grow and be a leader to the Jewish people.
I love you bro. From Y. S.
solide bochur. So proud of you.
Roommate from Brunoy
you’ll always be #1!
Rabbi bini bini bini mz”t
So so so proud of you!!!
Mazal tov Mendel Bennish. Most dedicated rabbi
Mazal Tov Rabbi Shmuli !!
The Rabbinate really suits you.
great job!! mazel tov!!
Mendel you the best
Mendel, we are so very proud of you for this wonderful accomplishment!! This makes us very happy. You should continue to go from strength to strength…..
Kol hakavod! A emese chasidishe yungerman
Mazel tov to Menachem biston
So proud of you amazing guy !!!
Hatzlocha
go
brunoy!
Mazal tov Mendel!
So proud of you.
-Devorah
Great work Mendel