In this class we begin in the 1660s with the false Messiah Shabbatai Tzvi and the impact he had on the next century. We look at what is going on in Britain and Europe as politics changes the shape of the world and the role of the Jews within in.
We focus on Rabbi Tzvi Ashkenazi, known by the name of his book, Chacham Tzvi. He was familiar with both the Ashkenazi and Sephardi worlds, and knew only too well the dangers of Sabbateanism.
We end with Rene Descartes, automatons and a golem.