Semikhah
/səˈmiːxɑː/noun
The Jewish authorization or ordination of a rabbi, traditionally symbolized by the laying on of hands.
Did you know?The term comes from the Hebrew root סמך, meaning “to lean on” or “support,” making ordination symbolically an act of placing authority upon—and supporting—the next teacher.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
סָמַךְ (sāmakh)
“To lean upon, support, or place a hand upon”
Second Temple Period
Hebrew
סְמִיכָה (semikhah)
“The placing of hands, especially as a ritual act of authorization or dedication”
Mishnaic Hebrew
Hebrew
סמיכה (semikhah)
“Laying on of hands; rabbinic authorization”
Talmudic Period
Aramaic/Hebrew
סמיכה
“Ordination or transmission of judicial and teaching authority”
Medieval Jewish Communities
Hebrew
semikhah
“Rabbinic ordination, often conferred through a formal chain of recognized teachers”
Modern English
English
semikhah
“Jewish rabbinic ordination or authorization”