For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Torah of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10

Every spiritual leader desires genuine impact and fruitfulness. In a time of spiritual crisis and renewal, Ezra prepared himself to serve the people of Israel. Today, wise leaders seek continuing preparation to serve effectively in a time of great transition. The UMJC has always sought to provide such preparation for Messianic Jewish leaders. Now, we are offering a new course of training relevant to today's challenges and opportunities. 

This focused, two-year course provides practical and foundational classes that will enable veteran as well as new leaders to serve their communities more effectively. Upon completion, the student qualifies to be licensed as a Madrikh or Madrikhah, a title being used increasingly throughout the Jewish community. A Madrikh may serve the community as a guide, officiant at life cycle events, and teacher, as determined within the local congregation. The title itself raises the credibility of the congregation that the Madrikh serves, affirms the qualifications and character of the recipient, and is an important step toward further study or, in many cases, smicha, or rabbinic ordination.

Our online students have consistently praised the effectiveness of our online courses.  These 10 week courses are required for the Madrikh certificate.  More information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Licensure is not equivalent to ordination, nor is a Madrikh equivalent to a Rabbi. Our ordained Rabbis are the officially authorized teachers and judges of our community. Nevertheless, to grow and prosper, our movement needs a wide range of skilled, trained, and endorsed leaders. The Madrikh licensure program will help meet this need, and will also provide the first stage of training for those seeking ordination.

Program

A collaborative effort between the UMJC and its center for theological studies, MJTI, the program provides a core curriculum of six online courses, supplemented by four intensive leadership seminars offered at UMJC Conferences and Mid-Year Leaders Retreats.

The two-year six-course online sequence consists of the following classes:

The two-year, four-seminar sequence consists of the following classes:

The program also involves a one-year mentoring relationship with a UMJC rabbi, or other approved UMJC leader, and a reading plan that will take students through the entire Bible twice during the two years. Because a Madrikh is a guide in Jewish life and Scripture, he or she will be required to demonstrate a basic knowledge of Hebrew.

Like Ezra, a graduate of the Madrikh program has been prepared in heart and action to be an invaluable resource to his or her local community. 

How to Apply

Applications are available below. Completed applications should be sent to the UMJC Credentials Committee c/o  Dr. John Fischer (see application below). Tuition for online courses is $450; RO'I seminars are $225.

To be eligible for admission to the licensure program, students must possess an undergraduate degree, and participate in a UMJC congregation.

Ezra prepared his heart to seek God's Word and to teach it among his people. As a result, he reported that "the good hand of his God [was] upon him" (Ezra 7:9, 8:31), and he led his people into spiritual renewal. May the UMJC Madrikh Program prepare many leaders for spiritual renewal among the Jewish people today! 

Click here for Application 

Recommendation for Admission