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Frequently Asked Questions

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Who is teaching?

Schedule and Curriculum

"Shulchan Aruch : One who is present at the time when the Neshama leaves of a Jewish man or woman must tear kriyah . Even if at times he performed a trangression for pleasure or if he overlooked the observance of a commandment due to the effort involved." -- Aveilus program, Lesson II

Welcome to Shema Yisrael's innovative Aveilus program. People of all backgrounds can benefit from learning the Avielus program, covering all the related topics using the framework of Shulchan Aruch and including interpretations and sources up till these current days.

Can I Join this program even though I am not a "Chevra Kadisha"?

Ofcourse! this program is designed for everyone that wants to have a deeper understanding of the Laws of Aveilus.

Do I need to have vast Rabinnical background to join your program?

No! We are providing for the first time a comprehensive program that will allow you to learn from "the grounds up". You don't need any background to join the program and it will take you step by step through the basics of each topic. For Advanced learners - you will also have the structure to learn advanced materials and get ready for Rabbinical Semicha exams if you like.

"It is the first time, to my knowledge - that such a comprehensive and methodical program is offered in an attempt to teach and present the Jewish Laws of Mourning in a clear and understandable language." - R. Fishel Todd, Lakewood, NJ

Who is teaching this program?

HaRav Yitchak Tzvi Oshinsky received Semicha from the Israeli Rabbinate, HaRav Yitzchak Kulitz, z"l, HaRav Goldberg, shlita, HaRav Nissanbaum, shlita, and HaRav Avraham Cohen, Shlita.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

how does the shulchan aruch project work?

One gets 2 written lectures (shiurim) twice weekly

How long is the shiur?

7-9 pages

What does it contain?

It contains the translation of the Mechaber and Rama (the two main commentaries of the Shulchan Aruch. It then goes to the source of the law. The Source in the chumash is brought down followed by the Gemara explaining the topic followed by the appropriate Rishonim and Achronim

Does it mean we get the sources and we look them up?

No, we bring down the commentary and explain the concept, define all terms i.e. the work Mukzta......which means set aside and then we give many examples. We then bring down for example the Rambam and explain what the he meant and what the source was.

What about the Halacha as it applies to as today what do we do then?

We bring down all the contempary Halachic decisions based on the comments of R' Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt', R' Moshe Feinstein zt'l, R' Ovadia Yosef Shilita.

What if I have a particular problem?

Then the Rav who writes the program will answer as well as consult with his contemparies on the issue depending on its complexity.

How do I ask questions?

You just send a question via email which is returned with your answer?

How long is each program?

The programs vary from 6 months for Eruvin to nearly 2 years for Shabbos. Issur V' Heter is approximately one year,
whereas Aveilus is about 10 months and Shaatnes four months.

I'm still not sure I understand how it works inside?

Okay, every week you recieve an average of 2 written Shiruim, you take the appropriate Shulchan Aruch and list of Seforim and learn it together. Then at the end of each shiur is a review of the shiur and questions from the previous shiur.
You then develop a method of review.

What happens then?
After each section is an exam

Do I have to take it?
No,

Why not?
There are 3 levels to our program......level 1 is our regular learning project for those who are seeking only structure to their learning without the pressure of an exam. Level 2 is our Semicha Program which requires you take the exams as well as level 3 which prepares you for the Rabbinate Semicha Exam.

Where do I take these exams?
They are taken anywhere you want, but the final exam is taken in Yerushalyaim

What about the Rabbinate Exam?
That again is given in Yerushalyaim twice yearly

What are the costs involved?

Those vary according to the level your taking

What do I do now?
fill out the form by clicking here
and if your in israel just call (972) country code-03-616-6340
or write to smicha@shemayisrael.com for questions

Schedule and Curriculum
for Aveilus :

There are altogether approximately 83 Shiurim on Hilchos Availut (subject to change).

The topics and number of Shiurim (approx.) for every topic are:

Hilchos Kriah (Simon 340): 8 Shiurim.

Hilchos Onen (Simon 341): 3 Shiurim.

Hilchos Availut for the groom (Simon 342): 2 Shiurim.

Funeral and eulogy and other issues about the care of the deceased (Simon 343-368): 15 Shiurim.

Tumas Mais and Kohanim (Simon 369: 373): 8 Shiurim.

The laws pertaining the beginning of the week of mourning and the emptying of the grave (Simon 374-375): 7 Shiurim.

Laws pertaining the week of mourning and their issues (Simon 376:396): 25 Shiurim.

The essence of Availut and Hilchos Availut on Shabbath and Yom Tov (397-401): 9 Shiurim.

Hilchos Shmuah and Likut Atzamot (402-403): 6 Shiurim.

Every week 2 Shiurim will be sent, 8 Shiurim a month.

The duration of the whole program for Hilchos Availut: approximately 10 months.