Nathan of Gaza
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Nathan of Gaza was a Jewish Kabbalist who became known as the prophet and forerunner of Shabbetai Tzevi, a 17th-century figure who claimed to be the messiah. Kabbalah is a system of Jewish mysticism that involves belief in creation through emanation and a unique method of interpreting scripture. Nathan of Gaza, through ecstatic prophecies, promoted the idea that 1666 would be an apocalyptic year for the restoration of Israel and world salvation through Shabbetai Tzevi. This movement, known as Shabbetaianism, attracted a large following and challenged rabbinical authority, even attempting to reconcile Shabbetai Tzevi's messianic claims with his later conversion to Islam.12
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Shabbetai Tzevi…a 20-year-old student known as Nathan of Gaza assumed the role of a modern Elijah, in his traditional role of forerunner of the messiah. Nathan ecstatically prophesied the imminent restoration of Israel and world salvation through the bloodless victory of Shabbetai, riding on a lion with a seven-headed dragon in…
Read More…a 20-year-old student known as Nathan of Gaza assumed the role of a modern Elijah, in his traditional role of forerunner of the messiah. Nathan ecstatically prophesied the imminent restoration of Israel and world salvation through the bloodless victory of Shabbetai, riding on a lion with a seven-headed dragon in…
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JudaismShabbetaianism…thanks to the activity of Nathan of Gaza (c. 1644–90), an unwearying propagandist who justified the actions of Shabbetai Tzevi, including his final apostasy, with theories based on the Lurian doctrine of “repair.” Tzevi’s actions, according to Nathan, should be understood as the descent of the just into the abyss…
Read More…thanks to the activity of Nathan of Gaza (c. 1644–90), an unwearying propagandist who justified the actions of Shabbetai Tzevi, including his final apostasy, with theories based on the Lurian doctrine of “repair.” Tzevi’s actions, according to Nathan, should be understood as the descent of the just into the abyss…
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