The Frankel Institute for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan provides annual fellowships for scholars and artists from around the world to conduct research in relation to a given theme. Established in 2005 through a generous financial contribution from the Jean and Samuel Frankel Jewish Heritage Foundation, the Frankel Institute is the only one of its kind at a public university in the United States. The Institute is committed to interdisciplinary, multilingual work spanning ancient times through the contemporary era. By combining intellectual autonomy with the ideal of a scholarly community, it offers global leadership in Jewish Studies.
The major goal of the Frankel Institute is to provide an intellectually stimulating environment, promote an atmosphere of openness, and encourage constructive criticism. It seeks to advance Jewish Studies globally and considers diversity and pluralism as fundamental characteristics of a public university and emphasizes such principles in all endeavors. Additionally, the Institute offers a broad range of events to the public, including lectures, symposia, art exhibitions, and musical performances.