סמיכה

The קול התורה of Rabbi Elie Munk, has an interesting description of the handing over of leadership from Moshe Rabbeinu to Yehoshua.

The Torah tells us that once Yehoshua was chosen to succeed Moshe, he is told, וסמכת את ידך עליו, that you shall place your hand on him. This symbolic act of placing one’s hands on the head of his student, is referred to as סמיכה. Literally, the word means, “to lean.” This also applies to a procedure that was done in offering sacrifices. This סמיכה was done by pressing one’s hands on the head of the animal.

The סמיכה referred to by Rabbi Elie Munk is a ceremony that began with Moshe and Yehoshua.

Moshe, the rebbe, believed that his student had adequately mastered his studies as taught by his teacher. He is now being authorized to carry on those teachings in two ways. First, it is understood that he has the responsibility of handing down these teachings to his own students, to keep the chain of Torah going.

But סמיכה also grants the recipient the right to “Pasken” matters of Halacha. Trust is placed in him, that his fear of Heaven will make him investigate and be certain that he is making the correct Halachic decision.

The bond between the rebbe and student, is meant to be strong. The rebbe really needs to get to know his student well, so that he is convinced of his integrity and good character.

This bond that began with Moshe and Yehoshua, continues until today. It is something to be cherished. It is one of those things that even the internet cannot replace.