Nathan of Gaza

Nathan of Gaza was a prominent Jewish theologian and author, born in Jerusalem. His birthname was Nathan Benjamin ben Elisha Hayyim haLevi Ashkenazi, although he is more commonly referred to as Nathan of Gaza or Ghazzati. He spent his early life in Jerusalem, where he developed his theological foundations. Following his marriage in 1663, Nathan relocated to Gaza, a move that would significantly impact his life and career.

In Gaza, Nathan gained widespread recognition as a prophet, particularly in relation to his association with Sabbatai Zevi, a claimant to the title of Jewish messiah. Nathan's involvement with Zevi propelled him to fame, and he became a key figure in the theological landscape of the time. Through his work and prophetic claims, Nathan of Gaza left a lasting impact on Jewish theology, with his legacy continuing to be felt in the field of Judaism.