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Сила Теилим

5 Tevet · Yahrzeit

Rabbi Shlomo Molcho - Kiddush Hashem

Rabbi Shlomo Molcho - A Kabbalist with prophetic visions. He performed Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Name of G-d. Yahrzeit - 5 Tevet Resting place - Lisbon, Portugal   He was a descendant of Portuguese Marranos (anusim). At the age of 21, he was appointed as a scribe at the royal court. When David HaReuveni (a charismatic Jewish leader and imposter who called himself a prince of the lost tribe of Israel) visited the royal court, Shlomo, who was then called Diogo Pires, felt a longing to return to the faith of his ancestors. He performed a circumcision on himself, nearly bleeding to death in the process. He then merited purity of spirit and the ability to study Torah. He left the luxury of the palace and fled Portugal. He arrived in Italy and soon earned a reputation as a brilliant Torah scholar. He even published 22 essays on the subject of redemption based on the secrets of Kabbalah in his work "Sefer HaMefoar." He met with the Pope and asked him to stop the campaign against the Marranos. He also met Rabbi Yosef Karo in Safed and the Kabbalist Rabbi Yosef Taitazak of Salonika, who taught Rabbi Molcho the wisdom of Kabbalah. Rabbi Shlomo Molcho called upon people to do teshuva (repentance) in order to bring about redemption, and delivered fiery sermons in Eretz Yisrael, Turkey, and Italy, strengthening the messianic hopes of many Jews. His influence grew when he predicted the flood that devastated Rome and the earthquake in Portugal. His speeches inspired many Marranos to publicly return to their faith. He was eventually arrested and sentenced to death. He was saved through the intervention of Pope Clement VII and continued his work. He refused the opportunity to flee to the neighboring Ottoman Empire and live under its protection, choosing instead to remain and inspire the hearts of his brothers. He even met with the Emperor and suggested that he convert to Judaism. However, he was arrested again and offered the chance to save his life if he converted to Christianity, but Rabbi Molcho refused to renounce his faith. He proudly declared: "I was once considered a member of your faith, and I was granted the merit to distinguish between falsehood and the true religion. The One G-d is worth giving up our lives for with joy!" He recited the Shema with great joy as he was burned at the stake. The death of Rabbi Shlomo Molcho for the sanctification of G-d's Name was envied by Maran Rav Yosef Karo.   May the merits of the tzadik Rabbi Shlomo Molcho protect us all!   (https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/137-Rabbi-Shlomo-Molcho)