Tzvi, Shabbatai (1626–1676). A charismatic leader who proclaimed
himself messiah in 1665. Although there were other false messiahs in Jewish
history, Shabbatai Tzvi was the most popular. Some of his followers remained
convinced of his messianic status even after he converted to Islam, under the
threat of death by the Turkish sultan, in 1666. Shabbatai Tzvi’s teachings
combined elements of Jewish mysticism, the call to penance, and violations of
halachah. The dashed messianic hopes placed on Shabbatai Tzvi precipitated
skepticism toward messianism as well as Kabbalah.
Courtesy: Professor Shai Cherry
