On 2 November 2026, the Jewish Academy was officially opened in Frankfurt am Main. As the first supra-regional, non-university Jewish educational institution since the Shoah, it will bring Jewish perspectives to the social discourse.
In line with its founding vision, the Jewish Academy sees itself as an intellectual hub and an open space for learning and debate. With a scientifically grounded and constructive approach, this institution of the Central Council of Jews in Germany () aims to counter growing social polarisation. The Academy’s programme focuses on topics ranging from the history, culture and traditions of Judaism to its contemporary reality. These include Israel and the Middle East, society and politics, as well as the professionalisation of Jewish communities and institutions.
In addition to the Central Council of Jews in Germany, which sponsors the Jewish Academy, the project at the Senckenberganlage in Frankfurt’s Westend district is funded by the Federal Government, the State of Hesse and the City of Frankfurt am Main.
As guest of honour and keynote speaker, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered the opening address. Prior to this, Dr Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, welcomed the guests. Together with the Federal President and his wife Elke Büdenbender, the Minister-President of Hesse, Boris Rhein, and the Lord Mayor of Frankfurt, Mike Josef, Dr Josef Schuster officially opened the building by cutting the red ribbon and having the mezuzah affixed by the community rabbis.
In addition to the Federal President, the Minister-President and the Lord Mayor also addressed the approximately 150 guests in attendance from the worlds of politics, society, academia and the Jewish community. The programme marking the opening of the Jewish Academy was rounded off by speeches from Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, and Uwe Becker, Hesse’s Commissioner for Anti-Semitism, at the evening dinner.
The President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Dr Josef Schuster, said on the occasion of the completion of this long-standing project: “This building is a milestone in the history of Jewish life in Germany, which stretches back over 1,700 years. The Jewish Academy fills a gap; it is, in the truest sense, a Jewish place. The Academy will educate people about Judaism and highlight its positive aspects. After 7 October 2023, it will also be this institution’s task to counter anti-Semitism through education – through dialogue, through enlightenment, and through open engagement.”
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier affirmed: “I hope this Academy will be a house of dialogue, where every question is given space and every questioner listens calmly to the answers of their counterpart. A house where knowledge precedes judgement. A place where deeper respect arises from greater understanding. May this institution – entirely in the spirit of Franz Rosenzweig – invite all its visitors to engage in ongoing, lively and direct dialogue. Such dialogue is the foundation of all democratic action!”
The Minister-President of Hesse, Boris Rhein, stated: “Jewish life and Jewish culture must be able to flourish freely and confidently at the heart of our society. This requires places such as the Jewish Academy. I would like to thank everyone whose commitment has paved the way for this educational institution, and those who will breathe life into it in the future.” Rhein added: “What begins in Frankfurt should have an impact throughout Hesse: in the communities, at our schools and universities, and in our society. The State of Hesse will continue to provide strong support for the Academy in the future. For Jewish life is not only part of Hesse’s history, but also part of its present and future.”
Mike Josef, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main, commented as follows: “With the Jewish Academy, Frankfurt gains a place for reflection, learning and social debate. A place that, drawing on Jewish tradition, will shape the future of our state. As Lord Mayor, I am delighted that this Academy has found its home here. Jewish life is no mere guest in Frankfurt. It is part of the very foundation of our city. It has shaped Frankfurt. And it will continue to shape Frankfurt in the future.”
Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, emphasised: “It is a great honour for me to be able to witness the official opening of the Jewish Academy today. Here, Jewish life in the past, present and future will be presented and discussed. Frankfurt am Main, with its rich Jewish tradition, is the ideal location for this unique academy. For me personally, the fight against anti-Semitism and the study of Jewish life in the present day are matters close to my heart. Accordingly, my ministry supports many research projects in this field through major funding schemes. Increasing knowledge through research – this commitment unites us with this new institution. In this spirit, I am convinced that the Jewish Academy will become a place of social influence. A place of knowledge. A place of exchange. A place of education.”
Uwe Becker, Anti-Semitism Commissioner for the State of Hesse, commented: “The Jewish Academy is a powerful symbol of Jewish life in Germany and, in the tradition of the Jewish house of learning, will provide important impetus for the social development of our state from a Jewish perspective. As a Jewish think tank, the Academy will build cultural and interfaith bridges and, particularly at a time of growing anti-Semitism, strengthen knowledge of and understanding for Jewish life in our society. I am delighted that the Jewish Academy is establishing its headquarters in Germany’s most Jewish city. With its central location, the Jewish Academy emphasises that, like Jewish life as a whole, it is a central part of our society and our identity.”
Source: Central Council of Jews in Germany (in German)