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Aug 9, 2016
Smicha as a B.A.
Interior Minister Aryeh Deri has announced that he is pushing forward a plan, and has approved it, to recognize smicha from the Rabbanut, or a yeshiva ishur for 6 years of learning in kollel or yeshiva along with 3 of the Rabbanut tests having been sat in passed (that must include the tests on hilchos Shabbos and on hilchos "issur vhetter") as a BA for the purpose of qualifying in tenders for jobs in local municipalities.
Deri does not have the power to recognize this as a degree at the national level, but he does at the municipal level. This will potentially open up job possibilities for thousands of people in the Haredi community, for those who have decided to leave kollel and go to work.
source: Kikar
I heard Deri speaking about this on the radio. One of the additional points he made that i think is important to point out is that these recognitions will only be for positions that do not require specific professional skills. Meaning, someone with a "degree" from smicha will not be able to apply for jobs in the legal department that require legal training, or for jobs that require studies in finance or others.They will be able to apply for positions that require degrees but not specific professions.
I am in favor of this. I think it is a good idea. the Rabbanut tests for smicha require years of study and discipline and should be recognized and it will give people a good base to start from when they are ready.
Deri does not have the power to recognize this as a degree at the national level, but he does at the municipal level. This will potentially open up job possibilities for thousands of people in the Haredi community, for those who have decided to leave kollel and go to work.
source: Kikar
I heard Deri speaking about this on the radio. One of the additional points he made that i think is important to point out is that these recognitions will only be for positions that do not require specific professional skills. Meaning, someone with a "degree" from smicha will not be able to apply for jobs in the legal department that require legal training, or for jobs that require studies in finance or others.They will be able to apply for positions that require degrees but not specific professions.
I am in favor of this. I think it is a good idea. the Rabbanut tests for smicha require years of study and discipline and should be recognized and it will give people a good base to start from when they are ready.
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I disagree with your position and Deri's. Attaining a B.A. requires in every reputable institution of higher ed that students take a required "core curriculum" of math, statistics, science, history, literature, music/art, etc. That's why the degree is called a Bachelor of ARTS degree. Knowing a narrow subject, Jewish law and ancient Jewish history no matter how proficient, does not qualify for a B.A.
ReplyDelete"the Rabbanut tests for smicha require years of study and discipline and should be recognized and it will give people a good base to start from when they are ready."
ReplyDeleteIt is recognized - it's called smicha. that's the recognition. It should NOT be a BA because it is not a BA. This is insulting and wrong by people who don't understand or value what a BA is and is supposed to be. - and smicha is not a good base for entering the workforce - unless you're entering the religous workforce - like rabbi or mashgiach or something for which those studies are appropriate.
This is exactly like 1984 - the system is broken so change the language. Smicha isn't a college degree without which people can't get good jobs - the answer, call it a college degree. Disgraceful!
smicha isnt being recognized as a BA or college degree. it is being recognized as an academic equivalent for the purpose of some jobs available in local municipal offices.
ReplyDeleteNow you're just playing with language - whatever you call it, it is not an academic equivalent. Sitting in Kollel or passing smicha test does not prepare you for the workforce - not for jobs in municipal offices either. There is a reason why those jobs require a BA, and smicha doesn't cut it.
ReplyDeleteThe reason that degrees are required is that the requirement acts as a filter. Any job where particular skills are required will have some level of interviews and tests aimed at ascertaining the proficiency of the candidate. No one assumes that having a BA is an indication of ability.
DeleteIf the Rabbanut Smicha program is as rigorous as reported, I think it would make a fine filter.
Add to all that that the semicha process is highly corrupt. We've just learned that Shas-connected people get semicha without passing the tests at all. And it's basically for this reason.
ReplyDeleteWhat about those that study in a Moslem religious school or a christian seminary.
ReplyDeleteWold that be recognized ?
I dont know if this was discussed and included or not, but I would be fine with it, assuming it wasnt just religious school (like yeshiva on its own isnt included) but also some sort of rigorous program with exams and certification, like smicha is, in a state-recognized institution (the allowance discussed above doe snot include privately-obtained smicha, but only via the Rabbanut exams)
Delete