'Meliselda' and its Symbolism for Sabbatai Sevi, His Inner Circle and His Later Followers

"‘Meliselda’, a Spanish oicotype of ‘Melisenda Insomne’, a famous French ballad from Carolingian period, played a prominent role in Sabbatai’s own weltanschauung, its importance in their leader’s eyes was recognized by the initiated members Sabbatai’s inner circle, some of which have even produced its Hebrew adaptations - and, finally, in the course of time, it was consecrated by Sabbatai’s firmest believers, those who have followed him in his partial conversion to Islam. As such it was included in the corpus of their sacred poetry. The present article offers an analysis of the symbolism ascribed to ‘Meliselda’ by Sabbatai himself, by his disciples and apostles (such as Avraham Yakhini), and by the members of the new religious community that bears Sabbatai’s name until this very day..."