Semichah

Semichah, meaning "ordination" or "stamping," is a traditional Jewish ritual where a qualified rabbi, known as a Semichah giver, formally confers authority or approval to a rabbi-in-training or scholar. Historically, it involved laying hands on a student or a previously ordained rabbi to transmit spiritual authority and knowledge. Today, Semichah is primarily a ceremonial practice symbolizing the passing of scholarly and spiritual responsibility within Jewish tradition. It signifies recognition of a person's qualifications to lead, teach, or make legal Jewish decisions, maintaining continuity and integrity within the rabbinic community.