Beware of False Messiahs: The 'Messenger from Israel' Unmasked
The so-called messenger from Israel turned out to be a con artist, exploiting the name of the well-known false messiah Sabbatai Zevi, who was not yet recognized for who he truly was, as multitudes followed him.
- יהוסף יעבץ
- פורסם כ"ז אדר א' התשפ"ד
(Photo: shutterstock) #VALUE!
Winter of 1666, over 350 years ago. The rivers were frozen, snow covered the ground, and the synagogue's stove was burning warmly. By the stove sat a simple villager, with gleaming eyes. Beside him was a man of dignified appearance and elegant attire, the 'messenger from Israel.' The villager had just been honored to sign a bond, pledging two Reichsthalers a year—a significant and respected German currency. He was not focused on the act of signing, fully engrossed in the wondrous tales told by the messenger: the messiah was en route to Israel; there was even a prophet named Nathan in southern Israel, in Gaza, preparing for his arrival. All Jews were giving a 'half-shekel' to amass funds for building the Holy Temple. Faced with such a noble cause, who wouldn't think twice? Clearly, every Jew would pledge everything to support the imminent building of the Temple...
The 'messenger from Israel' was none other than a Sabbatean rogue, leveraging funds in the name of the infamous false messiah Sabbatai Zevi, yet unexposed, drawing hordes of followers.
A week later, a trusted Jew from Israel, Rabbi Leib from Safed, previously a judge in Horodna, and a renowned scholar, arrived and spoke the harsh truth: Sabbatai Zevi was a madman, violating Jewish law, neither the messiah nor anything close. His followers were extorting funds and acting irresponsibly. What bitter words to hear.
But what about the pledge? After all, a charity vow is considered a binding oath. Could it be annulled?
The query was sent to Rabbi Jacob Sasportas, a leading opponent of Sabbatai Zevi, who responded that there was no valid vow, as the pledge was made under the presumption that the messiah was coming and the Temple was being rebuilt now. Some leading scholars disagreed with Rabbi Jacob, arguing that the vow required formal nullification since thoughts do not annul an actual vow.
Regardless, the battle against Sabbateanism and its remnants was spiritually grueling. Beware of false messiahs, be wary of sects. Follow the guidance of the well-recognized and esteemed leaders of the Jewish community.
