Sabbateans
Videos
Page
The Sabbateans were a variety of Jewish followers, disciples, and believers in Sabbatai Zevi (1626–1676),
a Sephardic Jewish rabbi and Kabbalist who was proclaimed to be the Jewish Messiah in 1666 by Nathan of Gaza.
Illustration of Sabbatai Tzvi from 1906 (Joods Historisch Museum)
Former followers of Sabbatai do penance for their support of him.
Sabbatai Zevi "enthroned" as the Jewish Messiah, from Tikkun, Amsterdam, 1666
Sabbatai Zevi
Videos
Page
Sabbatai Zevi was an Ottoman Jewish mystic, and ordained rabbi from Smyrna. He was likely of Ashkenazi origin. Active throughout the Ottoman Empire, Zevi claimed to be the long-awaited Jewish Messiah and founded the Sabbatean movement.
Etched portrait of Sabbatai Zevi from 1666
New Mosque, built by the Dönme community of Salonica during the late Ottoman period.
"Sabbatai Zevi enthroned" (image from the Amsterdam/Jewish publication Tikkun, Amsterdam, 1666).
Sabbatai Zevi as a prisoner in the castle at Abydos.