Sabbatian Heresy

The pronouncements of Sabbatai Tsevi (1626-76) gave rise to Sabbatianism, a key messianic movement in Judaism that spread across Jewish communities in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The movement, which featured a set of theological doctrines in which Jewish Kabbalistic tradition merged with Muslim and later Christian elements, suffered a setback with Tsevi's conversion to Islam in 1666. Nonetheless, for another hundred and fifty years, Sabbatianism continued to exist as a heretical underground movement. It provoked intense opposition from rabbinic authorities for another century and had a significant impact on central developments of later Judaism, such as the Haskalah, the Reform movement, Hasidism, and the secularization of Jewish society. This volume provides a selection of the most original and influential texts composed by Sabbatai Tsevi and his followers, complemented by fragments of the works of their rabbinic opponents and contemporary observers and some literary works inspired by Sabbatianism. An introduction and annotations by Pawe_ Maciejko provide historical, political, and social context for the documents.

Rabbi Moses Hagiz, one of the most prominent and influential Jewish leaders of seventeenth-century Amsterdam, devoted his career to restoring rabbinic authority. His most prominent talent was as a polemicist, and he campaigned ceaselessly against Jewish heresy in an attempt to unify the rabbinate. During Hagiz's lifetime there was an overall decline in rabbinic authority, which the author argues was the result of migration and assimilation.

A timely and fascinating study of an early modern movement that transcended traditional Jewish gender paradigms and allowed women to express their spirituality freely in the public arena.

In 1756, Jacob Frank, an Ottoman Jew who had returned to the Poland of his birth, was discovered leading a group of fellow travelers in a suspect religious service. At the request of the local rabbis, Polish authorities arrested the participants. Jewish authorities contacted the bishop in whose diocese the service had taken place and argued that since the rites of Frank's followers involved the practice of magic and immoral conduct, both Jews and Christians should condemn them and burn them at the stake. The scheme backfired, as the Frankists took the opportunity to ally themselves with the Church, presenting themselves as Contra-Talmudists who believed in a triune God. As a Turkish subject, Frank was released and temporarily expelled to the Ottoman territories, but the others were found guilty of breaking numerous halakhic prohibitions and were subject to a Jewish ban of excommunication. While they professed their adherence to everything that was commanded by God in the Old Testament, they asserted as well that the Rabbis of old had introduced innumerable lies and misconstructions in their interpretations of that holy book. Who were Jacob Frank and his followers? To most Christians, they seemed to be members of a Jewish sect; to Jewish reformers, they formed a group making a valiant if misguided attempt to bring an end to the power of the rabbis; and to more traditional Jews, they were heretics to be suppressed by the rabbinate. What is undeniable is that by the late eighteenth century, the Frankists numbered in the tens of thousands and had a significant political and ideological influence on non-Jewish communities throughout eastern and central Europe. Based on extensive archival research in Poland, the Czech Republic, Israel, Germany, the United States, and the Vatican, The Mixed Multitude is the first comprehensive study of Frank and Frankism in more than a century and offers an important new perspective on Jewish-Christian relations in the Age of Enlightenment.

In the mid-seventeenth century, Shabbatai Zvi, a rabbi from Izmir, claimed to be the Jewish messiah, and convinced a great many Jews to believe him. The movement surrounding this messianic pretender was enormous, and Shabbatai's mission seemed to be affirmed by the numerous supporting prophecies of believers. The story of Shabbatai and his prophets has mainly been explored by specialists in Jewish mysticism. Only a few scholars have placed this large-scale movement in its social and historical context. Matt Goldish shifts the focus of Sabbatean studies from the theology of Lurianic Kabbalah to the widespread seventeenth-century belief in latter-day prophecy. The intense expectations of the messiah in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam form the necessary backdrop for understanding the success of Sabbateanism. The seventeenth century was a time of deep intellectual and political ferment as Europe moved into the modern era. The strains of the Jewish mysticism, Christian millenarianism, scientific innovation, and political transformation all contributed to the development of the Sabbatean movement. By placing Sabbateanism in this broad cultural context, Goldish integrates this Jewish messianic movement into the early modern world, making its story accessible to scholars and students alike. Table of Contents: Preface Prologue 1. Messianic Prophecy in the Early Modern Context 2. Nathan of Gaza and the Roots of Sabbatean Prophecy 3. From Mystical Vision to Prophetic Explosion 4. Opponents and Observers Respond 5. Prophecy after Shabbatais Apostasy Notes Index Reviews of this book: Goldish looks at the Jewish messianic surge of the 17th century, which culminated with the Sabbatean movement, and places it in a broader multidimensional context...He has produced a well-written, scholarly addition and modification to the literature. --Paul Kaplan, Library Journal

Jacob Frank is the second and last major exponent of apostate messianism, the concept that lead to the Sabbatain heresy. His picaresque life is recounted by Alexandr Kraushar. The editor's 'A Note for the General Reader' and his annotations to Kraushar's text explore the sources, and the reasons for the disappearance, of the Sabbatain heresy. These observations are reflected against aspects of early 20th Century European history. Also explored are affinities to the tenets of Sabbatian theology found in lines of T.S.Eliot's Four Quartets and in the role of the Old Bolsheviks in Stalin's Purge Trials.

Sabbatai Zevi stirred up the Jewish world in the mid-seventeenth century by claiming to be the messiah, then stunned it by suddenly converting to Islam. The story is presented here for the first time through contemporary documents, written by Sabbatai’s followers and by one of his detractors, in translations that brilliantly capture the vividness of this landmark episode in early modern Jewish history.

Judaism: Sacred Texts, History, Theology & Philosophy offers an unparalleled journey into the rich tapestry of Jewish literary tradition, philosophy, and history. By bringing together an array of texts ranging from theological treatises, philosophical inquiries, to historical narratives, this collection showcases the diverse methodologies and literary styles that have shaped Jewish thought from antiquity to the modern era. Each piece, carefully curated, highlights the evolution of Jewish wisdom, with texts that have stood at the heart of dialogue, debate, and devotion within Jewish culture. The anthology stands out not only for its breadth but also for including some of the most seminal works that have profoundly influenced Jewish life and thought. The contributing authors and editors, luminaries such as Louis Ginzberg, Heinrich Graetz, Judah Halevi, and Moses Maimonides among others, bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge and insight to the collection. These figures, each a titan in their own right, represent pivotal moments and movements within Jewish intellectual history - from the medieval synthesis of Judaic thought with Greek philosophy to the critical historical scholarship of the 19th century. Their collective works within this anthology provide a unique lens through which the vibrancy and dynamism of Jewish intellectual traditions are articulated, reflecting the rich interplay between continuity and innovation that characterizes Jewish thought. This anthology is recommended for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the depth and diversity of Jewish scholarship. It offers readers a unique opportunity to explore seminal texts across various genres, underscoring the enduring relevance of these works. 'Judaism: Sacred Texts, History, Theology & Philosophy' is not merely an academic endeavor; it is an invitation to engage with the texts that have shaped Jewish consciousness across millennia. As readers traverse through this curated landscape of Jewish wisdom, they will find themselves participating in a historical dialogue that enriches understanding and fosters an appreciation for the complexity and beauty of Jewish intellectual heritage.

The Core of Judaism All Essential Books in One Volume' stands as a monumental collection, encompassing a diverse array of literary styles, from philosophical discourse to theological treatise, thereby capturing the multifaceted essence of Judaic thought. These works collectively paint a comprehensive picture of Jewish philosophy, ethics, and law, highlighting the significance of each contribution within the broader literary context of Jewish scholarship. Noteworthy for its inclusion are seminal pieces that have shaped not only Jewish thought but also the course of ethical philosophical inquiry worldwide, making this collection a cornerstone of religious and philosophical literature. The contributing authors and editorsLouis Ginzberg, Heinrich Graetz, Judah Halevi, Moses Maimonides, Samuel Rapaport, Simeon Singer, Nurho de Manhar, and Abraham Cohenrepresent a lineage of scholarly brilliance that spans centuries. Each one has profoundly influenced Jewish thought, from Maimonides' philosophical rigor to Halevi's poetic expressions of faith. This compilation mirrors significant historical, cultural, and literary movements within Judaism, offering readers a unique synthesis of voices that converge on the fundamental principles and ethical underpinnings of Judaism. These contributions collectively enrich the anthology, fostering a deeper appreciation for the vibrancy and diversity of Jewish cultural heritage. This anthology is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to delve into the depths of Jewish philosophy, ethics, and law. It offers readers an unprecedented opportunity to explore a multitude of perspectives, bringing together seminal works that have defined and shaped the essence of Judaism. Through its pages, readers are invited to engage with the discussions that have animated Jewish thought across centuries, making it a pivotal educational tool and a source of endless insight. This collection is not merely a reflection of Jewish intellectual tradition; it is a conversation across time, inviting readers to participate in the ongoing dialogue that constitutes the core of Judaism.

The Holy Books of Yahweh stands as a monumental anthology that traverses the vast landscapes of Judaic scholarship, philosophy, and poetry. The collection delineates an extraordinary range of literary styles - from the mystical to the historical, encapsulating the profundity of Jewish thought and experience. It not only celebrates the diversity within Jewish literary tradition but also underscores the thematic threads of faith, tradition, and intellectual inquiry. Standout pieces within the anthology exemplify the harmonious blend of ancient wisdom with medieval scholarship, offering readers a comprehensive glimpse into the Jewish intellectual heritage. The contributing authors Louis Ginzberg, Heinrich Graetz, Judah Halevi, Moses Maimonides, Samuel Rapaport, Simeon Singer, Nurho de Manhar, and Abraham Cohen are luminaries whose works have significantly shaped Jewish thought and culture. Their collective contributions reflect the multifaceted nature of Jewish literature, spanning mystical interpretations, historical narratives, ethical discourses, and poetic musings. Each author's unique background, whether rooted in theology, historiography, or philosophy, converges to create a rich tapestry that aligns with and enhances our understanding of key Jewish principles and narratives. The Holy Books of Yahweh presents an unparalleled opportunity for readers to dive into the depths of Jewish theological and philosophical thought. By encompassing a breadth of perspectives and themes, the anthology invites a scholarly exploration that promises not only educational value but also a profound engagement with the enduring questions of human existence as seen through the Judaic lens. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish culture, history, and religion, this collection serves as an essential and enlightening companion, fostering a dialogue between the seminal works of Jewish scholarship and the modern reader.