What's Frankism?

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Frankism is a religious movement that emerged in the 18th century, founded by Jacob Frank, which rejected traditional Jewish norms and embraced antinomianism, encouraging followers to transgress moral boundaries. It gained a significant following among Jews in Central and Eastern Europe before many of its adherents converted to Catholicism.

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Overview of Frankism​

Frankism is a religious movement that emerged in the 18th century, founded by Jacob Frank. It originated from Sabbatean beliefs within Rabbinic Judaism, primarily in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Frankism is characterized by its rejection of traditional Jewish laws and norms, promoting antinomianism, which encourages followers to transgress moral boundaries.

Key Beliefs and Practices​

Antinomianism and Rituals​

• Frankists believed in breaking Jewish commandments to liberate "divine sparks" trapped by these laws.
• They engaged in controversial practices, including incest and orgies, as part of their rituals.
• A notable incident in 1756 involved Frankists being caught in a public display of their beliefs.

Conversion to Christianity​

• At its peak, Frankism had around 50,000 followers.
• Many Frankists were later encouraged to convert to Catholicism, aligning themselves with European royal courts.

Historical Context​

Frankism arose during a time of social and economic upheaval for Jews in Eastern Europe. The movement was partly a response to the messianic fervor surrounding Sabbatai Zevi, a self-proclaimed messiah. Jacob Frank claimed to be a reincarnation of Zevi and sought to establish a new religious order.

Modern References​

In contemporary discussions, Frankism has been referenced in various political and cultural contexts. Some commentators have associated it with elite conspiracies and inversion rituals, while others argue that critiques of Frankism should be distinguished from antisemitism. The movement remains a subject of scholarly debate regarding its theological implications and historical significance.
Wikipedia Jewish Encyclopedia

 

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AI Overview



Frankism, led by Jacob Frank (18th century), was a radical offshoot of the Sabbatian movement, which itself emerged from followers of the 17th-century false messiah Sabbatai Zevi; both Frankists and Sabbatians included groups like the
Dönmeh (Turkish for "converted"), who outwardly converted to Islam but secretly practiced their own syncretic, antinomian (law-transgressing) faiths, with Frankism evolving into a Christian-focused version after his followers converted to Catholicism, while the Dönmeh remained crypto-Jewish Muslims, creating a complex legacy of messianic upheaval and religious transformation.
The Sabbatian Roots

• Sabbatai Zevi (1626–1676): A Jewish mystic who proclaimed himself the Messiah, gaining a vast following before being forced to convert to Islam in 1666.
• Dönmeh: Followers of Zevi who, like him, converted to Islam but secretly maintained their Jewish beliefs and messianic traditions, forming distinct communities in the Ottoman Empire, notably in Salonika.

Jacob Frank and Frankism

• Emergence: Frank (1726–1791) emerged from the radical Sabbatian milieu, claiming to be Zevi's successor, and established his own movement in Poland.
• Radicalism: Frankism adopted extreme antinomianism, involving the violation of Torah laws, and developed unique doctrines, including a focus on a female messiah.
• Conversion to Catholicism: To escape persecution, Frank and thousands of followers converted to Catholicism in 1759, adopting Christian forms while preserving their core beliefs, often infiltrating Polish society.

The Connection: Syncretism & Transgression

• Shared Ideology: Both Dönmeh and Frankists shared radical, transformative ideologies stemming from Sabbatianism, focusing on "redemption through sin" and subverting traditional religious laws.
• Influence: Frank was aware of and influenced by the Dönmeh, particularly the radical Karakaş sect, incorporating their ideas and even interacting with their leaders.
• Evolution: The Dönmeh remained crypto-Muslims, while Frankism evolved into a distinct, syncretic faith that eventually assimilated into Christian society, leaving behind a legacy of secrecy, spiritual searching, and blurred religious boundaries.