The Kosher Cut

קורס מומחי שחיטה

Shechita Certification Course

OVERVIEW

Shechita training requires significant time, dedication, and halachic proficiency. To become a certified shochet, Orthodox Jewish practice dictates that one:

  • Be an observant Jewish male
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have proficiency in Hebrew and the ability to study halacha in its original form

If you meet these criteria—or are seeking less intensive training for non-certification purposes—please review the training description below and fill out the inquiry form to explore your options.

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COURSE OF LEARNING

Training is offerred on a rolling as needed basis. We sometimes hold a shechita chebura beggining after channukah but most students learn as they are able. Talmidim may begin with any part of the training and complete certification on their own timeline.

Hands On Learning - In most cases, hands-on training includes 1-2 slaughter sessions and approximately 8–15 hours of knife sharpening instruction¹. Large groups tend to need more time and single students or small groups tend to take less. Hands on training must be completed in person at one of our New Jersey locations—Lakewood or Pemberton. Training may also be available in Baltimore, MD.

Word of Caution - Students with bad hand eye coordination or other deficiencies may not be able to complete hands on training. We try to catch and warn such students early on in their learning process.

Hilchos Shechita Program - This portion of our training requires an intermediate to advanced level of Hebrew comprehension and the ability to study Shulchan Aruch proficiently. The  self-guided study program may be completed in as little as 6–24 weeks and is available in our online store. Additional tutoring and certification testing are available for an added fee.

Certification Tests - Hands on testing is completed during training. An oral hilchos shechita test must be completed after the program is complete in order to gain certification. Once all tests have been completed eligible students will be referred to Rabbi Shaffier or a Rabbi of their choice to seek their Kabbalah.

TRAINING COST

Ma'ase Yadayim

  • Shechita Equipment - Approximately $550 for a full set of stones, a student, and proffesional knife.
  • Knife Sharpening Training: $100/hour for one student; +$20/hour per additional student. Average of 8-15 hours needed.
  • Slaughter Training: $250 per day per student + cost of birds. 2 student or $500 minimum per Shechita day.

Halacha Training

  • Hilchos Shechita Course: $100–$300 for the full self guided course. Total cost dependent on the number of students learning.
  • Optional Halacha Tutoring: $100/hour for one student; +$20/per hour for each additional student
  • Hilchos Shechita Final Test - $100 per hour. Average test takes 1.5 hours.
Total Average Cost - $1,500-$2,500
  • Non-Professional Zoom Training / Seminars: Starting at $150