Satan in Goray

Brief Overview

The novel "Satan in Goray" is set in the 17th century in the Polish town of Goray, which is reeling from the aftermath of the Khmelnytsky Uprising. During this time, rumors of the Messiah, Sabbatai Zevi, spread through the Jewish community, leading to mass religious ecstasy and chaos. The main characters, including Rabbi Benish-Ashkenazi and his daughter Reizl, face moral and spiritual trials. Soon, a mysterious wanderer arrives in Goray, claiming to be a messenger of Sabbatai Zevi. His influence brings devastating consequences for the community, including violence, madness, and the breakdown of traditional values. The novel explores themes of faith, fanaticism, and human nature, illustrating how easily people can be deceived by false prophets and ideas.