Machon Smicha

Learn more about our one-of-a-kind Translated and Explained Shulchan Aruch

In addition to an elucidated translation of the text of the Shulchan Aruch, the new work contains an introduction to each halachah, wherein all relevant background information to the halachah is presented; along with an in-depth Discussion and Explanations section, which explores in detail the primary commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch, along with the contemporary application of the halachah under discussion.

The right side of each page-spread presents a newly formatted Shulchan Aruch with the primary commentaries, clearly laid out.

The left side of each page, the English section, is divided into four parts: (a) The Introduction provides all the necessary background and traces the sources for the halachah. (b) The Translation section translates the Shulchan Aruch. (c) The Discussions and Explanations section walks through the major commentaries and poskim, and includes practical applications and contemporary rulings. (d) The Sources and Notes section provides further references for deeper study, allowing learners at all levels to approach the Shulchan Aruch with clarity and depth.

It's Finally Here! Become Certified in Hilchos Shabbos!

Learn and Receive Your Teudas Bekius in Hilchos Shabbos

Machon Smicha is excited to finally announce the launch of our much-asked-for Hilchos Shabbos Certification program. Our team has been working on this program for the past few years, writing, preparing, and developing it. And now, it is finally here. You can learn and receive your Teudas Bekius in Hilchos Shabbos!

Students who successfully complete the program will receive their certification in Hilchos Shabbos - Teudas Beki’us in Hilchos Shabbos, signed by the prominent Vaad Harabbanim of Machon Smicha.

The program starts after Pesach, on 19 April 2026 (2 Iyar 5786)

Learn more and register at onlinemachon.com/shabbos

Thanks to a generous sponsorship, for next year we are able to offer the Smicha program to Bochurim at a severely reduced rate - Just $1,600

🟦 *MACHON SMICHA HALACHAH SYMPOSIUM* 🟦

📖Yom Iyun 2025📖

Join us for an inspiring day of learning and connection!

📅 Wednesday, 29 Sivan / June 25, 2025
📍 Ulam Chana Hall - 556 Crown St, Brooklyn
🕥 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
🍽️ Lunch will be served
👥 Open to all – Men and Women
💵 Free event – No registration required

🎉 We look forward to seeing you there!

🟦 *MACHON SMICHA HALACHAH SYMPOSIUM* 🟦

_📖Yom Iyun 2025📖_

Join us for an inspiring day of learning and connection!

📅 Wednesday, 29 Sivan / June 25, 2025
📍 Ulam Chana Hall - 556 Crown St, Brooklyn
🕥 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
🍽️ Lunch will be served
👥 Open to all – Men and Women
💵 Free event – No registration required

This event is taking place on the same day as the Chag Hasmicha, to allow visiting guests and family memebers to take part, and to spend more time engaging with the Rabbonim and community of Machon Smicha.

🎉 We look forward to seeing you there!

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐯 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞?

We recently hosted Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky, here at Machon Smicha who delivered a live shiur on ''May one invite yom tov guests who will drive?''

Click here to listen to the shiur:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fDpHSi7UKUc8xmukjYIdq?si=dbmueTpPSdSzNggZSjpXXg

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐤𝐚𝐡?

We recently hosted Rabbi Shraga Dovid Homnick, here at Machon Smicha who delivered a live shiur on ''May one use water-proof schach to cover their sukkah?''

Click here to listen to the shiur:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RmItcPA5wmBMkONivMIJO?si=BILivmSfRiKT46RJx6zwzQ

Join us for the next course starting on 5 January 2025 (5 Teves 5785)

Our online programs provides:
⌚Flexibility
👨‍🏫Dedicated Teachers
📑Straightforward English Study guides
🗣Step-by-step curriculums to ensure an effective and enjoyable learning experience.

🚨 Hurry and secure your spot now! 🚨

To register, simply visit https://onlinemachon.com/smicha/

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐤𝐚𝐡 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞?

We recently hosted Harav Chaim Finkelstein, here at Machon Smicha who delivered a live shiur on ''May one sit in a sukkah built under a tree?''

Click here to listen to the shiur:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/46oiGN0HTFksGUaFOohoVR?si=TGMQmtNfTjC2Nyn7QoRVQA

📆 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐧!

Join us for the next course starting on 5 January 2025 (5 Teves 5785). Don’t miss this opportunity to grow and achieve your goals.

Enroll now at onlinemachon.com/smicha/ and take the next step in your journey!

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐬?
[Weekly Halachah #59]

Mishnah Brurah [1] rules that it is forbidden to play a ball game on the ground out of a concern that the players might flatten the ground. He explains that even Rama, who is lenient, only permits playing ball if not on the ground. Nonetheless, even if children are playing ball on the ground one should not protest because it is better that they violate the halacha unintentionally instead of violating it intentionally (mutav she'yeheyu shogegin v'al yeheyu meyzidin).
Rav Alashvilli [2] suggests the same for the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch Harav that playing on the ground would be forbidden. Additionally Rav Chaim Noah [3] writes at length of the multiple concerns with the balls of today together with it not being in the spirit of Shabbos.

[1] 308:158
[2] Shulchan Aruch Admur Hazaken Hamvo’er [pg. 79 fn. 645]
[3] Badei Hashulchan [110:16]