We are a unique, online-only Rabbinical School
The JSLI's Rabbinical School is an online program which explores Halacha (Rabbinical Law), Liturgy and Rituals and prepares you to utilize your skills and life-experience to become a rabbi. At the end of your study, you will participate in an ordination ceremony, be granted Semicha and become a fully ordained rabbi.
At JSLI, there's no need to relocate yourself or your family - simply join your classmates live at our online rabbinical seminary every week. We may not be learning together physically, but we still have a warm and thriving online community of open-minded liberal men and women - and we strive to build lifelong friendships with them. And, after you become a Rabbi we have a wonderful support system at our private JSLI Facebook page where we shares life's journeys and rabbinical resources.
We have a wide-ranging and extensive curriculum
We meet (virtually) once a week for online video conferences, with a curriculum that includes prayer (davennen), exploring the weekly Torah portion (parasha) and discussing relevant rabbinic law (halacha). Throughout the program we also focus on Jewish rituals and life cycles. The courses are available though our LMS (Learning Management Session), and the weekly assignments allow students to prepare in advance for the topic of each online conference.
We focus on meeting the needs of Jewish unaffiliated and interfaith families
JSLI's Rabbinical School is very different in this way. We teach our students to minister to and focus on the specific needs of the Jewish unaffiliated and interfaith. Although this group makes up almost 50% of the world's Jewish population, few organizations focus on them.
We'll give you all the tools you need to be a fantastic rabbi
Once you've taken the program, you'll participate in JSLI's ordination ceremony to become a fully ordained rabbi - at which point you'll receive your semicha. This certificate certifies that you have demonstrated familiarity with our codes and texts and are empowered to serve as rabbi and teacher.
The semicha is valid in all 50 states and will allow you to register with applicable city clerks to perform wedding ceremonies.
By the time you've graduated as a rabbi, you'll be able to teach basic Talmud and Torah, lead prayer services, give inspirational sermons, provide pastoral care, officiate at weddings and funerals, prepare children and adults for Bar/Bat Mitzvah, start and grow new communities, and so much more.
We'll do all this with you in a year (if you are ready)
While it takes five years of full-time study to become ordained within the traditional Jewish denominations, we offer two semesters leading to Rabbinical Ordination. This accelerated program is based on the fact that most of our students have spent many years as professionals in the Jewish Community as Cantors, Hebrew School Principals, Hebrew School Teachers and many other related professions. Each student must complete both semesters – one full year of study – to become ordained.
Find out more about admissions.
