In this episode of Jewish History Nerds, Yael and Schwab discuss the world of 18th-century Jewish mysticism through the life of Hillel Ba'al Shem and his manuscript "Sefer HaCheshek."

Shabbetai Tzvi, a 16th-century Jewish mystic and rabbi, gained a significant following among Jews who believed he was the Messiah, encouraged by his supporter Nathan of Gaze.