Semicha (Hebrew: סמיכה, "leaning [of the hans]"), also semichut (Hebrew: סמיכות, "ordination"), or semicha lerabbanut (Hebrew: סמיכה לרבנות, "rabbinical ordination") is derived from a Hebrew word which means to "rely on" or "to be authorized". It generally refers to the ordination of a rabbi within Judaism. In this sense it is the "transmission" of rabbinic authority to give advice or judgment in Jewish law. Although presently most functioning synagogue rabbis hold semicha by some rabbinical institution or academy, this was until quite recently not always required, and in fact many Haredi rabbis may not be required to hold a "formal" semicha even though they may occupy important rabbinical and leadership positions.