Jacob Querido

Jacob Querido was a prominent figure in the Jewish community, notably succeeding the self-proclaimed Jewish Messiah Sabbatai Zevi. Born in Thessaloniki, he came from a family closely tied to Sabbatai Zevi, being the son of Joseph the Philosopher and the brother of Jochebed, who was Sabbatai Zevi's last wife. This familial connection would later play a significant role in his own claim to leadership.

Querido's rise to prominence was facilitated by his sister Jochebed, who claimed that he was the reincarnation of Sabbatai Zevi. This assertion enabled him to succeed to the leadership of Sabbatai's followers. As a result, Querido attracted a considerable following of his own, known as the Ya‘qōviyīm or Yakubiler. Through this movement, he maintained a significant presence within the community, underscoring his importance as a leader in the aftermath of Sabbatai Zevi's legacy.