Editing Smicha (section)

== The Chabad Semicha Certificate ==
While receiving Semicha from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel requires passing a difficult examination in six different subjects: Shabbos, Issur V'Heter, Aveilus, Chupah V'Kiddushin, Mikvaos and Niddah, the Rabbonim in Chabad grant a Semicha certificate after examination on the laws of Issur V'Heter (including the topics: Basar B'Chalav, Taaruvos and Melicha), in accordance with the Rebbe's response to the [[Tomchei Temimim Central - 770|central Tomchei Tmimim 770]] administration regarding their question about what to require from students being tested for Semicha. However, the Rebbe requires that the student have broad general knowledge in Torah and halacha topics.

For those interested, the opportunity for a Dayanut certificate is available with examination on more extensive study material.

Another difference: In the Rabbinate examinations, a person is required to demonstrate knowledge of the subject throughout the development of the law starting from the Gemara, Rishonim, Tur, Beis Yosef, Shulchan Aruch, Rema and commentaries, while in Chabad many Rabbonim give Semicha after examining only on Shulchan Aruch, Rema and commentaries.

The reason for the lesser requirements in Chabad Semicha is following the Rebbe's desire that everyone should be a "rav in their home," and also because they rely on the yiras shamayim of the ordained person not to rule on subjects they are not proficient in without studying them well or consulting with another experienced rav.