In a groundbreaking move, the University of Potsdam launched its School for Jewish Theology this week — the first Jewish divinity department incorporated into a public university in Europe.
Up to now, Germany has only subsidised Catholic and Protestant theological training programmes.
The new department puts Jewish theology on a par with its monotheistic counterparts. Several Muslim theological programmes have been launched under state auspices as part of a government effort to encourage moderate Islam in Germany.
The School for Jewish Theology has 47 enrolled for its first year and is open to participants of any religious affiliation.