The Moscow University of Humanities has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Union of Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), Abraham Geiger College and the School of Jewish Theology of the University of Potsdam to launch the university-based Machon Rabbinic Leadership Institute in Moscow.

The curriculum will include extensive fieldwork opportunities both at Moscow State University, in the students’ communities between semesters, and in Israel during a MASA semester internship.

Students will have a chance to gain a BA in Jewish Studies that is facilitated by the Abraham Geiger College. Then, for those interested in continuing their studies towards rabbinic ordination from the Abraham Geiger College, there will be the option of pursuing a Master of Jewish Theology degree at the University of Potsdam.

During the four-year program in Moscow, the WUPJ will provide financial assistance for housing, tuition and other program expenditures. Incoming students will be required to invest in their own future by paying for approximately one third of the costs. Such an approach is a significant example of the WUPJ’s emphasis on self-sufficiency.

The Machon Rabbinic Leadership Institute is scheduled to open in September 2015.