We are pleased that you are interesting in applying for membership in the Rabbinical Council of America. Becoming an RCA member constitutes a significant commitment to build a long-term, mutual relationship between you, the RCA, and your RCA colleagues.
Before submitting your application, please take the time to learn about us. First, review About Us to get an overview of the RCA, its history, and its diverse activities. Then, carefully consider the Core Principles, below, which animate that history and activity. Finally, read the information below describing what RCA membership means and detailing its benefits and responsibilities.
During your application process, we look forward to telling you more about us – even as we look forward to getting to know you. In this way, we will begin to create a mutually beneficial bond which will sustain you during your rabbinic career and help you to plan for, and thrive during, your retirement years.
To qualify for RCA admission, an applicant’s semicha must be the culmination of at least six years (for at least five hours a day) of post-high school learning in a traditional beit midrash setting. On-line semicha programs are not accepted.
A Yoreh Yoreh semicha in Issur ve-Heter granted by either an RCA-recognized, established Yeshiva-based program, or by an RCA-recognized Masmikh.
In addition, completed studies in at least two other areas of Halachah: Niddah, Eruvin, Kiddushin, Geirut, Shabbat, Avelut.
The RCA prefers but does not require that a semicha program provide pastoral training to its musmachim. RCA Placement Services discusses the importance of pastoral training with both employers and RCA chaverim applying for positions requiring such skills.
All applicants are interviewed by the RCA’s Membership Committee.