Jakob Frank (1726–1791) was a controversial religious leader and founder of the Frankist movement, which emerged in the 18th century. He was born in Podolia, a region that is now part of Ukraine, and claimed to be the Messiah. Frank's teachings combined elements of Judaism, Christianity, and mysticism, leading to significant tensions with both Jewish and Christian communities. Frank's followers, known as Frankists, believed in a radical reinterpretation of religious laws and practices. They faced persecution and were often ostracized by mainstream Jewish society. Despite this, Frank's movement gained a following, particularly in Poland, and left a lasting impact on religious thought in the region.