No. JSLI is a fully online school. You never have to travel to be ordained. Every class meets live by Zoom, all your course materials are in our online learning system, and you’re ordained at our online Ordination Shabbaton, held each June and December.
You won’t feel alone
Online doesn’t mean isolated. You’ll see your teachers and classmates every week, give your d’var Torah to the group, and learn in hevruta pairs. Classes become close communities, and many students form friendships that last for years. Some choose to meet in person on their own, and graduates stay connected through weekly alumni video conferences, yearly gatherings and our private Facebook group.
Your family can be there
Because the Ordination Shabbaton is online, your family and friends can join from anywhere in the world to see you receive s’micha.
Is it a real ordination?
Yes. What makes an ordination meaningful is serious study, the integrity of the teachers who confer it, and the student’s readiness, not a shared building. Read more in Is Online Rabbinic Ordination Legitimate?, How to Become a Rabbi Without Relocating and Online Ordination and Semicha.
Have another question? Contact us or call (201) 338-0165.