FADED SPLENDOR – THE 17TH CENTURY
Tzfat’s days of glory had already passed by the end of the 16th century. Different events that occurred almost simultaneously brought about its demise. The decline began in 1574, with the death of Sultan Selim II. Central control weakened, and throughout the Ottoman. Empire local rulers mounted rebellions, particularly in the distant provinces. Prosperous Tzfat became a natural target for robbers, nomadic Bedouin tribes and vanquished Arab soldiers returning from the Persian War. The local Turkish rulers also joined in the oppression and exploitation of Jewish community.
Tzfat’s economy was badly affected by the decline of the Empire. Turkey’s markets were flooded with European textiles and Tzfat had to compete with their lower prices and high quality. The textile mills in the Amud valley were forced to slow down production, and eventually the entire industry ceased to exist.
The town’s scholars and rabbis also diminished in number; the great men of that generation passed away within a short time span, leaving a void which was impossible to fill. On top of all these problems that beset Tzfat came further calamities; the hunger and neglect brought on by several years of drought caused the spread of deadly plagues.
From Tzfat to Jerusalem
Many of Tzfat’s Jews fled to the surrounding villages; some went as far as Syria and Egypt. Most, however, moved to Jerusalem. Those who remained pleaded for help. Some of Tzfat’s most promising scholars were sent abroad to collect charity. The money they raised, a large part of which was robbed on their way back, did not alleviate the situation significantly. The center of Kabbalistic studies moved to Heborn and Jerusalem. By the beginning of the 17th century, Tzfat had lost its spiritual and economic hegemony to Jerusalem.
With Istanbul’s weakening hold over its empire, the Druze governor of Lebanon Fahr a-Din, sized Control over central and northern Palestine in 1603. During his reign the Jews suffered oppression and plunder. They were forced to finance his army, which brought them to the point of starvation. Arguments broke out within the dwindling community, eroding the authority of the central leadership. Even after the defeat and execution of Fahr a-Din in 1634, better days did not come to Tzfat. His heirs continued to tax the Jews heavily and Tzfat remained a battleground for their ceaseless wars.
In the second of the 17th century, Tzfat continued its decline. By the end of the century it had become a desolate village. The exodus of its citizens continued, although occasionally some would return and attempt to raise it from its ruins. It is ironic that even the 17th century messianic movements that sprang from Tzfat’s Kabbalah, such as that of Sabbatai Zevi, completely bypassed Tzfat.
