Letter to Raphael Joseph

Nathan of Gaza

1666

To our fruit of holiness enwrapped in praise, our man of deeds rich in accomplishment, the exalted prince and honored rabbi. May your light shine like the rising sun, blossom like the flowers! May an abundance of life and peace rest upon your head, never (please God) to depart!

I write to acknowledge receipt of your letter, and to convey my delight…

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Creator Bio

Nathan of Gaza

1644–1680

Nathan of Gaza (also known as Nathan Benjamin ben Elisha Hayyim ha-Levi Ashkenazi) was born in Jerusalem and moved to Gaza around 1663. The son of a respected religious scholar, he too became a scholar of Talmud and also of kabbalah. In 1665, he had a vision that Shabbetai Tzvi was the Messiah and urged him to proclaim himself. He served as Shabbetai Tzvi’s prophet, writing letters that spread news of the messianic movement to Jewish communities around the world.

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Carrying books and knowledge, itinerant rabbis and scholars traveled between communities, facilitating cultural exchange.

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