Gei Chizayon - Perek Mashiach [a Sabbathian messianic apocalypse]

(SHABBTHAI TZVI)

circa

(Yemen)

1665

Hebrew manuscript on paper. Written in Yemenite rabbinic cursive script, final three pages in a later Yemenite hand.

This manuscript is of great historical importance showing how the news concerning Shabbthai Tzvi spread to Yemen. Various dates are given for different stages of the supposed redemption (p. 4-5). But most importantly, the dates 1665 and 1666 (in which Sabbatai Tzvi did indeed “reveal” himself) are mentioned in the final lines on p. 5: “Mashiach ben Yoseph will punish the kings of Yishmael”. However, the final lines of pp. 11-12 cite a revelation in the year 1648. Gershom Scholem states: “This important text… reflects the impact of the great awakening on the heart and mind of a Yemenite kabbalist… The author expounds on the mysteries of the messiah’s ministry among the supernal sefiroth and in the same breadth, explains happenings on earth and predicts future events.” (see Sabbatai Sevi, p. 653). The final three pages contain miscellaneous material including the announcement of a birth of a child and Kiddush for Sabbath. See also G. Scholem, Gei Chizayon, Apocalypse Shabtaith MiTeiman in: Kovetz al Yad Vol. IV, New Series (1946), pp. 103-41 (using the JTS manuscript). Provenance: David S. Sassoon, Ohel David Cataloge, no. 856 (p. 1000).