ב׳ מרחשון ה׳תשפ״ו | October 24, 2025
To Learn Semicha or Dayanus?
When the Rosh Yeshivah of 770 submitted an ambitious halacha curriculum to the Rebbe in 5736, including extensive learning of Yoreh Deiah and Choshen Mishpat, the Rebbe’s response gave direction to a bochur’s focus in learning.
From the very early years, the Rebbe demanded from his bochurim that they become proficient in the basic halachos of Yoreh Dei’ah before their chassuna, so that they are well equipped to run a kosher home. From some, the Rebbe also expected that they be tested on parts of Choshen Mishpat, as a preparation for rabbonus.
As the winter zman began in 5736, the Rosh Yeshivah Harav Piekarsky wrote in to the Rebbe a detailed curriculum. The Yoreh Dei’ah bochurim were to learn Basar Bechalav, Ta’aruvos, Melicha, and Treifos, with the Tur and Beis Yosef, as well as some applicable Gemaros. The Choshen Mishpot study would include Hilchos Dayonim, Eidus, Toen-Venitan, Shutfin, Mekach-Umemkar, and part of Halva’ah. All of these were to be done during the afternoon only, because the morning schedule was dedicated to learning Gemara, Maseches Bava Basra.
The Rebbe replied in his holy handwriting, “If the hanhala estimate that the bochurim could manage all this, yehi ratzon it should be with hatzlacha.
“However,” the Rebbe added, “if not, a choice should be given between two curricula.”
COMMENTS
Rabbi Pikarski told me that when he asked the Rebbe if he should remove Treifus as people were demanding, the Rebbe got upset and asked: “if not now, when will they learn it?”