Selomoh Ayllion - Controversial Rabbi
The talk examines the life and career of Rabbi Selomoh Ayllion, a prominent Sephardic rabbi in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The speaker argues that Ayllion has been unjustly maligned in historical accounts due to his association with the Sabbatian movement. The presentation aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of Ayllion by presenting new details about his life gleaned from archival research in Amsterdam and London.
Ayllion's life is divided into four distinct phases:
Early Life in Salonika: Born around 1655-1660 in Salonika, Ayllion was raised in a community with a strong Sabbatian presence. He became a follower of Shabbetai Tzvi, the infamous false messiah whose emergence in 1665 sparked excitement throughout the Jewish world. Ayllion even converted to Islam along with many other Sabbatians in 1683, though he later repented and returned to Judaism.
Travels as a Shaliach: Following his return to Judaism, Ayllion was appointed as a shaliach (emissary) to raise funds for the Jewish community in Safed. He travelled to Jerusalem, where records indicate his daughter was born in 1687. He then journeyed to Italy and Amsterdam, but was unsuccessful in raising funds in the latter city. He continued to London, where he found more success as a fundraiser.
Leadership in London: Ayllion was appointed as the Hakham (rabbi) of the London Sephardic community in 1691. He served in this position for nine years, gaining respect for his knowledge and leadership. However, rumours about his Sabbatian past began to circulate, leading to investigations and accusations by community members. Despite initial support from the community leadership, the persistent rumours ultimately led Ayllion to leave London in 1700.
Later Years in Amsterdam: Ayllion moved to Amsterdam, where he was appointed as Hakham alongside Rabbi Salomo de Oliveyra. He also headed Ets Haim, the prestigious Sephardic yeshiva in Amsterdam. Ayllion remained in Amsterdam until his death, training numerous students who went on to become prominent rabbis and scholars across the Jewish world. He also actively participated in communal life, serving on various charities and leaving a significant bequest to the community upon his death.
The speaker highlights several interesting aspects of Ayllion's life, including:
His complicated relationship with Sabbatianism: Ayllion's early involvement in the movement and subsequent conversion to Islam cast a long shadow over his career. While he never explicitly denounced his Sabbatian past, he did defend a controversial rabbi accused of Sabbatian sympathies while in Amsterdam, suggesting his continued affinity for those ideas.
His financial success: Ayllion appears to have accumulated significant wealth during his time in London and Amsterdam. This is evidenced by his ability to provide dowries for his daughters, invest in financial ventures, and leave a substantial inheritance to his children and the community. The sources of his wealth remain somewhat unclear, though his rabbinical positions and potential business dealings likely contributed.
His dedication to education: Ayllion's tenure as head of Ets Haim yeshiva produced a generation of influential Sephardic rabbis and scholars. The speaker argues that this contribution to Jewish scholarship is a testament to Ayllion's lasting legacy.
The talk concludes by emphasizing that Selomoh Ayllion, despite his controversies, was a complex and accomplished figure who played a significant role in the history of Sephardic Jewry. The speaker challenges the negative portrayal of Ayllion in some historical accounts and encourages a more nuanced understanding of this influential rabbi.