CHELMINIEKI MASSACRES, MESSIANIC SPECULATION AND SHABBETAI ZVI- THE FALSE MESSIAH
1. Historical background
Most Jews in Ottoman Empire and Poland in 17th century
Rise of Lurianic Kabbalism
1648-9: Chmielnitzki Pogroms in Poland
General speculation about messianic age
Text 1: Nathan Hannover, Abyss of Despair
An eye-witness account of the Chmilnietzki pogroms. Kiddush Hashem and comfort in the belief in Chevlei Mashiach- the birth pangs of the Messiah.
Text 2: Lithuanian Jewish National Council- Ransoming captives
An account of how many Jews were taken captive and sold into slavery, and the impact on local Jewish communities.
2. Biography of Shabbetai Zvi
1626- born in Smyrna, Turkey
1651- Forced to flee Smyrna, wandered to Salonika, Constantinople, Egypt, Palestine
1665- proclaimed Messiah in 1665 by Nathan of Gaza, and excommunicated in Jerusalem. Abrogated fast of Tammuz, nominated 12 apostles. Pronounced that God is one who “Matir issurim” (permits that which is forbidden ( a play on “matir asurim”- frees the prisoners. Rumours of miracles
1666- goes to Istanbul, arrested. Apostasy, followed by explanations of what it means
Some contemporary accounts:
“ He suffers anxieties that leave him constantly depressed and do not even permit him to read, without him being able to say what is the nature of his pain that has come upon him”
“I was awestruck how tall he was, like a cedar of Lebanon. His face was very ruddy, a touch inclined towards swarthiness, his features were handsome, encircled by a round black beard; he was dressed in garments truly royal, and was altogether an exceedingly healthy and imposing person. I can attest that everything about him was as such as to inspire dread, and that among all the dwellers on earth, he was in every way unique. I could not get my fill of watching him.”
Text 3:, Baruch Ben Gershon of Arezzo)
Shabbtai Tzvi’s return to Smyrna, Turkey, in 1665
· Many honour him. His brother opposes but soon becomes convinced after he has convulsions.
· Performs “strange acts”
· Overturns halachah
· Performs no miracles
· Gains support and opposition
· A great repentance
Text 4: Yehudah Leib Ben Ozer, An Account.
How is it possible that everyone became so confused?
An attempt to explain the phenomenon- messianic longings and secrets of the Kabbalah.
Text 5: Nathan of Gaza
After the apostasy. Nathan of Gaza explains that despite his conversion, Shabbetai is the messiah. This is a great mystery but "soon everything will be revealed"
Theories of why Shabbetai Zvi was so influential
a. Chelminieki pogroms of 1648/9. Jews yearning for salvation. (But he also had a huge impact on distant communities, not just Poland)
b. Lurianic Kabbalah- Messianic revival after 1492. Mystical interest in
metaphysical meaning of exile and redemption.
c. General messianic speculation. Protestant revolt, wars, astronomical events, rise of science
d. Pervasiveness of Marranism. Appeal of a crypto Jewish messiah. (But only after the apostasy)
e. The charismatic individual, cult of personality