JWST 347 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Bipolar Disorder, Rabbi Jonathan, Gershom Scholem
15 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Largest jewish messianic movement after the destruction of the second temple. Named after shabbetai zevi who was viewed as a messiah. Shabbetai zevi: born in smyrna, ottoman empire (1626-9th of ab 1st and 2nd temple destroyed-day of fast-1676) Lived in seclusion and studied kabbala from an early age (15 years old) Suffered from a bipolar disorder (observed by gershom scholem) Wandered around and arrived to jerusalem (1662), married a jewish woman. Come to egypt to seek medical help for his soul. Met the rabbi and scholar nathan of gaza who declared shabbetai zevi as the messiah (1665) during an ecstatic trance. Shortly thereafter shabbetai zevi proclaimed himself as a messiah. News spread quickly and nathan became the messiah"s prophet. He called for repentance in order to facilitate the last stage of redemption. Shabbetai zevi violated jewish religious laws: food-ate during fast days, pronounced god"s name, addressed women religiously in public. Shabbetai zevi was arrested,f irst in constantinople, later in gallipoli.
