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Once every four years, we celebrate those who have achieved rabbinic ordination—the future leadership of the Orthodox Jewish community

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Sunday, March 7, 2010 • 21 Adar 5770

Chag Hasemikhah Dinner 09

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Sion Setton
Semikhah student

Sion Setton thumbnailThe RIETS semikhah programs opened my eyes and broadened my horizons to things I otherwise would not have experienced. Our teachers are extremely loving and caring about our growth and success.

These meaningful relationships with rebbeim and classmates gave me the amazing opportunity to work in Ramaz and the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue. The social network at RIETS surpasses all expectations. The education we receive alters our lives and, I hope, will enhance those of our own children and students.

TORAH FROM RIETS

Hear shiurim by our peerless Roshei Yeshiva at YUTorah.org.

Torah and stained glass

APPLYING TO RIETS

RIETS students in conversation

If you have any questions about the application process, please feel free to contact us.  We look forward to hearing from you and to responding to your queries.

Rabbi Chaim Bronstein
Administrator
515 West 185th Street
Glueck Center, Room 632
New York, NY 10033

cbronste@yu.edu

T:  212-568-7300
F:  212-568-7400

Application Form | Requirements | Programs | Transcripts
Processing of Applications | Requirements for Ordination

APPLICATION FORM

Application forms are available by clicking here (PDF) or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 212-960-5277 or yuadmit@yu.edu.

REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for admission to Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary are:

  • The holding of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • A satisfactory record in Talmud and Jewish studies taken during a minimum of four academic years beyond the secondary school level.
  • An entrance examination/bechina.
  • Three letters of recommendation: two from the most recent roshei yeshiva and one from the student’s congregational rabbi.
  • A personal interview.

PROGRAMS

Students apply to the Pre-Semikhah Program, the Chaver Program, or the Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Semikhah Program.

  • Applicants to the Semikhah Program must fulfill entrance requirements as described above. Pre-Semikhah applicants need not have completed four years of Talmud beyond the secondary level. Applicants to the Chaver program are evaluated on an individual basis.
  • Students desiring to enter the Semikhah Program but not deemed eligible should apply to the Pre-Semikhah Program.
  • Students who feel that they have adequate preparation should apply for admission to the Semikhah program.

TRANSCRIPTS

  • The applicant must have two official copies of his transcript of record sent directly to the Office of Admissions from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended, excluding schools of Yeshiva University.
  • Applicants who have attended schools outside of New York City should have catalogs of the schools sent with the transcripts
  • If this application is submitted in the middle of a semester during which the applicant is in attendance at another school, he should not wait until the end of the term to have transcripts sent; they should be ordered at once and supplements (in duplicate) should be requested upon completion of the term.

PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS

Applications cannot be processed until all documents have been received by the Office of Admissions.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ORDINATION

Ordination by RIETS is contingent upon the successful completion of one of the following programs. Applications to these programs are available from the Office of Admissions or from the schools directly. A separate fee is required with an application to one of the Master’s programs.