Following the expulsion of the Jews from Spain & Portugal, and a sudden focus on Messianic belief in the teachings of the Tzfat kabbalists, a young rabbi from Izmir called Shabbetai Tzvi would become one of the most infamous Messianic pretenders in Jewish history. In the first article of this series we discovered how he began to show signs of severe bipolar disorder as a young man, how he was married and divorced twice, and how he eventually came to the attention of the rabbis in Izmir as a result of his strange behaviour.

After some deliberation, the rabbis of Izmir told Shabbetai Tzvi to stop the bizarre behaviour or face the consequences, but their warning was to no avail. Consequently, in 1651, Shabbetai Tzvi was expelled from Izmir and began to drift from community to community.

Before we follow him on his journey, let us pause to consider Shabbetai Tzvi the man. Numerous people who knew him during these wilderness years - detractors, supporters and neutral observers – would subsequently offer their observations and reflections on this enigmatic person, describing all the facets of his fascinating, if troubled personality. The picture that emerges is mesmerizing. He was incredibly charming and charismatic. He was also musically …show more content…
His first act as Messiah was to abolish the fast of 17 Tammuz. In Gaza the decree was greeted enthusiastically, and not only did the community not fast - they recited hallel, they feasted, and they rejoiced with live music, singing and dancing. The community in Hebron was next to join the believers. But in Jerusalem the story was quite different. That community knew Shabbetai Tzvi and the rabbis were incredulous, refusing to accept that the man they all knew to be crazy, was truly the