Sabbateanism: The Rise and Fall of a Messiah

The video explores Sabbatarianism, a 17th-century movement led by Shabtai Tzvi, who claimed to be the Messiah. With the support of Nathan of Gaza, the movement gained traction across the Jewish world. Shabtai's provocative actions and eventual capture by the Ottoman Empire led to his conversion to Islam, fracturing the movement. The video examines the historical, mystical, and social factors that contributed to the rise and impact of Sabbatarianism, highlighting its significance in Jewish, Islamic, and Christian contexts.

Who was the prophet that supported Shabtai Tzvi's claim as the Messiah?

• John the Baptist

• Isaac Luria

• Nathan of Gaza

• Gershom Scholem

What was Shabtai Tzvi's birthplace?

• Aleppo

• Jerusalem

• Constantinople

• Smyrna

Which action did Shabtai Tzvi take that was considered provocative?

• He wrote a new Torah.

• He pronounced the Tetragrammaton in a synagogue.

• He declared a new Sabbath.

• He built a new temple.

What ultimatum was Shabtai Tzvi given by the Ottoman Sultan?

• Renounce his claims or be exiled

• Leave the empire or be imprisoned

• Convert to Islam or die

• Convert to Christianity or die

What was the name of the group that followed Shabtai Tzvi into Islam?

• The Conversos

• The Donmeh

• The Kabbalists

• The Frankists

Which mystical tradition played a significant role in the Sabbatean movement?

• Gnosticism

• Sufism

• Kabbalah

• Hasidism

Who was the key figure that combined mysticism with messianism in the 16th century?

• Jacob Frank

• Nathan of Gaza

• Isaac Luria

• Gershom Scholem

What was the impact of the printing press on the Sabbatean movement?

• It was used to print religious texts only.

• It allowed rapid dissemination of Sabbatean ideas.

• It hindered the spread of ideas.

• It had no significant impact.

What was the theological explanation for Shabtai Tzvi's conversion to Islam?

• To fulfill a prophecy

• To unite different religions

• To gather divine sparks from outside Judaism

• To escape persecution

Which scholar is known for his study of Kabbalah and Sabbatarianism?

• Manasseh Ben Israel

• Nathan of Gaza

• Gershom Scholem

• Isaac Luria