# Moses Mendelssohn Center for European Jewish Studies

> Research Institute at the University of Potsdam

**Wikidata**: [Q1537723](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1537723)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/moses-mendelssohn-center-for-european-jewish-studies

## Summary
The Moses Mendelssohn Center for European Jewish Studies (MMZ) is a research institute located in Potsdam, Germany, and affiliated with the University of Potsdam. Founded in 1992 by Julius H. Schoeps, the institute is dedicated to the academic study of European Jewish history, culture, and thought. It is named in honor of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1992 by Julius H. Schoeps.
- **Location:** Potsdam, Germany (Coordinates: 52.3966° N, 13.0573° E).
- **Type:** Research institute (affiliated with the University of Potsdam).
- **Current Director:** Miriam Rürup (since December 2020).
- **Membership:** Member of the German National Research Data Infrastructure (starting June 23, 2025).
- **Components:** Houses the Library of Moses Mendelssohn Center for European Jewish Studies.
- **Identifiers:** ISNI: 0000000403764081; ROR ID: 04vj48162; VIAF ID: 150246209.

## FAQs
### Q: Where is the Moses Mendelssohn Center located?
A: The center is located in Potsdam, Germany, and operates as a research institute affiliated with the University of Potsdam.

### Q: Who founded the Moses Mendelssohn Center?
A: The institute was founded in 1992 by Julius H. Schoeps.

### Q: What is the primary focus of the center?
A: As a research institute, its primary purpose is conducting research, specifically focusing on European Jewish studies.

### Q: Does the center have a library?
A: Yes, the center includes the "Library of Moses Mendelssohn Center for European Jewish Studies" as one of its parts.

## Why It Matters
The Moses Mendelssohn Center for European Jewish Studies serves as a critical academic hub for the interdisciplinary exploration of Jewish life, history, and culture within the European context. Established in 1992, it plays a vital role in fostering scholarly dialogue and preserving Jewish heritage in Germany. By integrating traditional research with modern digital humanities—exemplified by researchers like Daniel Burckhardt—the center bridges historical inquiry with contemporary technological methods. Its membership in the German National Research Data Infrastructure (commencing in 2025) further highlights its commitment to the sustainable management and accessibility of research data. Through its dedicated library and public discourse, the MMZ significantly contributes to the understanding of Jewish history and its broader European implications.

## Notable For
- Being a premier research institute for European Jewish Studies affiliated with the University of Potsdam.
- Specializing in the intersection of Jewish history, culture, and digital humanities.
- Housing a dedicated library for European Jewish studies.
- Membership in the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI).
- Being named after Moses Mendelssohn, a seminal figure in Jewish Enlightenment thought.

## Body
### Founding and Leadership
The Moses Mendelssohn Center for European Jewish Studies (MMZ) was established in 1992 in Potsdam, Germany. It was founded by Julius H. Schoeps. As of December 2020, the center has been under the direction of Miriam Rürup.

### Research and Affiliations
Classified as a research institute, the MMZ is affiliated with the University of Potsdam. It is an organization whose primary purpose is research. The institute is set to become a member of the German National Research Data Infrastructure on June 23, 2025. The research team includes experts such as Daniel Burckhardt, a researcher in digital humanities, mathematician, historian, and computer scientist born in 1971.

### Facilities and Location
The institute is situated in Potsdam, Germany, at coordinates 52.3966 latitude and 13.0573 longitude. It operates a specialized facility known as the Library of Moses Mendelssohn Center for European Jewish Studies. The center maintains an online presence via the hashtag #MMZPotsdam and a Mastodon account (@mmzpotsdam@wisskomm.social) active since late 2023.

### Identifiers and Cataloging
The MMZ is registered under several international authority control and identification systems:
- **ISNI:** 0000000403764081
- **ROR ID:** 04vj48162
- **VIAF ID:** 150246209
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n93066848
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007265656605171

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. FactGrid
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File