The Hassidic movement ― the movement of the "pious ones" or Chassidut, in Hebrew ― was founded in the 18th century in Eastern Europe by Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, who became known as the Ba'al Shem Tov, which means "Master of the Good Name."
He was born in 1698 in Okup, in Podolia province (of what is now Ukraine) near the Dniester River. The Ba'al Shem Tov (who was also known as the Besht) was a poor orphan child who worked in the Carpathian Mountains as a laborer. During this time he studied with a secret society of Jewish mystics, the Nestarim, and he eventually became a revered rabbi.
He traveled from community to community, developing a reputation wherever he went as a spiritual holy man and mystical healer, attracting a huge following.
His teachings revolutionized the demoralized, persecuted Jews of Eastern Europe.
After the pogroms and massacres, (see Part 49), large parts of Eastern European Jewry had slipped into dire poverty. In addition to the tremendous physical destruction wrought by the Chmielnicki massacres, the tremendous disappointment caused by the false Messiah Shabbetai Tzvi (see Part 51) left much of the Jewish population of Eastern Europe in a collective state of deep depression. One of the victims of this situation was Jewish scholarship, with only an elite few studying in yeshivas while the rest eked out a meager living. As a result of the decrease in scholarship, Jewish religious life suffered ― with the average Jew not connecting either intellectually or spiritually with God. And this is what the Ba'al Shem Tov sought to change.
His teachings (he left no writings) brought about a whole movement which emphasized the idea of bringing God into all aspects of one's life, particularly through intense prayer and joyous singing. He taught that even the deeds of the simplest Jew, if performed correctly and sincerely, were equal to those of the greatest scholars.
Hassidic thought stressed the importance of devekut or "clinging to God." This involves feeling the presence of God in all aspects of one's existence and not just through Torah study and observance of the commandments.
The following parable describes the way the early Hassidic masters diagnosed the situation:
An apprentice blacksmith, after he had learned his trade from the master, made a list for himself of how he must go about his craft. How he should pump the bellows, secure the anvil, and wield the hammer. He omitted nothing. When he went to work at the king's palace, however, he discovered to his dismay that he could not perform his duties, and was dismissed. He had forgotten to note one thing-perhaps because it was so obvious-that first he must ignite a spark to kindle the fire. He had to return to the master, who reminded him of the first principle which he had forgotten.(1)
Trying to infuse one's life with spirituality in all aspects caught on very rapidly among the simple Jews in particular. Very rapidly, especially in Eastern Europe, thousands upon thousands of Jews were drawn to the Hassidic movement.
Hassidic Dynasties
When the Ba'al Shem Tov died in 1760, he was succeeded by Rabbi Dov Ber or Mezrich whose disciples went off to develop particular streams within the Hassidic movement and to found their own dynasties. There were many significant personalities in this group. (For those interested in reading about them, see Chassidic Masters: History, Biography and Thought by Aryeh Kaplan.) We will mention just a few:
- Rabbi Dov Ber (1704-1772). Known as the Maggid of Mezritch, he succeeded the Ba'al Shem Tov as head of the Hassidic movement and further developed many of the movement's philosophies. Incidentally, the great psychologist Carl G. Jung, nearing his death, said that all of his advances in psychology were preempted by Rabbi Dov Ber, which gives you an idea of the Maggid's insights into human nature. (See C.G. Jung Speaking, p. 271-272.)
- Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, (1745-1812). He was known as the Alter Rebbe and the Ba'al HaTanya. He wrote the famous work, the Tanya, and founded the Lubavitch sect of Hassidism. The Lubavitch Hassidim are known as Chabad ― which is an acronym for chochmah, ("wisdom"), binah ("understanding") and da'at ("knowledge.") According to Kabbalah, these are the three highestintellectual of the ten sefirot ― channels of Divine energy ― and their name for this Hassidic sect hints how much its teachings are steeped in Kabbalah.
- Rabbi Nachman of Breslav (1772-1811) was the great-grandson of the Ba'al Shem Tov. He was a gifted strory-teller and is perhaps best known for his allegorical stories of beggars and princes through which he tried to teach deep truths to simple people. He founded the Breslaver sect of Hassidism.
Hassidic sects have names like Kotzk, Sanz, Belz, Satmar, Lubavitch, Skvar. These were all names of communities in places like Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, etc. When these Hassidic communities moved, they took the names with them. So today in Israel you have Kiryat (city or district) Sanz, Kiryat Belz. In New York, there are the New Square Hassidim ― they were the Skvar Hassidim whose original name became anglicized to Square.
The movement had a huge impact in spiritually revitalizing the Jewish world. It kept a lot of Jews in Judaism and put a lot of joy back into Judaism.
Writes Aryeh Kaplan (in his essay "A World Beyond" in Chassidic Masters: History, Biography and Thought p. 4):
"Hassidism uplifted the masses, but it would be wrong to suppose that its teachings were designed solely as a kind of spiritual medicine, necessary when one is ill, but of no value for the healthy. An important teaching of Hassidism is that its insights are important to the spiritual well-being of every Jew. Although its masters aimed much of their energies at helping poor, illiterate Jews, it would be incorrect to say that this was the main characteristic of Hassidism, since the movement also brought new vision and depth to the entire body of Jewish thought."
The Opposition
As it spread, the Hassidic movement also attracted tremendous opposition from those more traditionally and intellectually-minded Rabbis, the majority of whom were against the Hassidic movement.
The major personality who was opposed to the Hassidic movement was Rabbi Elijah ben Shlomo Zalman, known as the Vilna Gaon ("Genius of Vilna") and also the Gra (acronym for the "Gaon Rabbi Elijah") who lived in this time period (1720-1797). The Vilna Gaon was a brilliant scholar who made an enormous impact on Jewish learning. A person of wide-ranging interests and author of some 70 books on various subjects, the Vilna Gaon seemed to excel in every aspect of scholarship. He knew Jewish law, Kabbalah, mathematics, astronomy, physics, anatomy. He barely slept; he just catnapped four times a day for one hour, and the rest of the time he studied. Whenever he got tired, he stuck his feet in a bucket of cold water to wake himself up. He never wanted to waste a minute. Although he never made it to Israel, he sent many of his students to live there.
What worried the Vilna Gaon was not so much the Kabbalistic aspects of Hassidism (after all, he himself had studied Kabbalah) but the potential for producing another false messiah (like Shabbetai Tzvi whose story we covered in Part 51. The Vilna Gaon also objected to the Hassidic concept that God is "in all things" as too close to pantheism or the idea that everything was equally holy.(2)
He was also concerned about the concept of the rebbe (as the leader of each Hassidic sect was called) because he felt that the Hassidic concept that a person elevates himself spiritually simply by "attaching" himself to a holy person (a rebbe) was an idolatrous idea.
Another significant concern of the Vilna Gaon was de-intellectualization of Torah. The Hassidic movement was largely a movement of simple, uneducated Jews, and he worried that Jewish scholarship was going to be replaced by singing and dancing. A religion that was a synthesis of heart and mind would become all heart and no mind.
Finally, the Vilna Gaon, and many other rabbis strongly objected to the fact that the Hassidim had changed the text of the prayer as this was considered a serious break with tradition and wholly unacceptable.
The Vilna Gaon was so strongly opposed to the Hassidic movement that he and others like him came to be called misnagdim, which means "those who are against." In 1772, the misnagdim excommunicated the hassidim, but the ban did not stick. The following is excerpts from the excommunication of Hassidim (April 1772):
(For more on this subject, see Triumph of Survival by Berel Wein, pp. 86-119.)
While the creation of the Hassidic movement did initially cause a serious split in the Jewish world, it did not create a permanent separation. Today we can see hassidic sects who have become quite scholarship-minded, opening their own yeshivas and studying the Talmud intensely.
In hindsight we see that the Hassidic movement contributed significantly to the revitalization of Eastern European Jewry. It kept a lot of people connected to Judaism who could well have been lost because they didn't have the time to study. And the pressure brought by the misnagdim against the hassidim acted as a brake in keeping them from going too far.
As a result of the Hassidic contribution, Judaism became stronger and more ready to face the assault from a new secular movement in the Western called "The Enlightenment."
1. Raphael Jospe, ed., Great Schisms in Jewish History,(Ktav Publishing House, 1981), p. 129
2. Pantheism-The doctrine identifying the Deity with the various forces and workings of nature.
3. Paul Mendes –Flohr & Yehuda Reinharz ed., The Jew in the Modern World, (Oxford University Press, 1995), p. 390.
(25) Dave hurowitz, July 19, 2019 6:05 AM
פאר אלא גרויסע מבינים (for all big understanders)
When one reads the article above he may come to conclusions about misnagdim got this point right and chasidim got it right over there, and all conclusions that one might make. However it is important to know that with one's own thoughts, his kind will lead him to incorrect places, that is why we find in pirkei avos (ethics of our fathers) not once, but twice [chapter 1 mishnah 6 and mishnah 16] "you shall make for yourself a rav" (teacher, mentor, guide). The first time stating "you shall make for yourself a rav buy yourself a friend and judge every person to favorably" why add "and judge every person favorably"? One may not come to his own conclusions, for everyone has his way of thinking and not necessarily is it accurate in ordinance to our Holly Torah. Therefore one must arrange for himself a rav. One who is connected higher than yourself and he will give you guidance. The second time it is mentioned is in mishnah 16 "you shall make for yourself a rav and avoid doubt...", One's own mind is unsettled, in order to come to correct conclusions he must have a mentor. That is also the meaning of a Rebbe, one who you turn to for advice, spiritually, so as physically. A Rebbe is connected on high he is not just a nother human being but he is actually a Holly man and he does have the ability to bless. just as the cohanim. Now one to come and say the misnagdim were right, is not obeying the mentioned above teaching's of our rabbi's by not finding for himself a mentor and letting him guide you. The vilna Goan didn't know much about the chasidim, he only new what he was told by his disciples and most of what they told him was exaggerated and what they knew was solely based on rumors, for the chasidik movement was based in Poland Galicia and Ukraine, while the misnagdim were in Lithuania. And the we. Have recorded letters from the not chasidik scholars in the area's closer to where the chasidim lived, stating it is unjust that the misnagdim have excommunicated the chasidim.
(24) Anonymous, June 21, 2012 11:59 PM
Why do Chassidim wear heavy clothes in the summer?
I have heard this comment made by many people, both Gentile and Jewish, and would like to have a concrete response. Many dismiss it as eccentricity, but I am sure there must be reason why it is customary. Can anyone assist me?
(23) John Stuart, August 22, 2011 8:33 AM
What was the Teacher of Righteousness in Hasidim?
Dear Rabbi Ken Spiro Can you please give some information on Onias III about his movements in the Hasidim? Is Onias III the Teacher of Righteousness in Dead Sea Scrolls? Is it possible to idenitification of Wicked Priest as Menelaus to murder the High Priest Onias III Teacher of Righteousness at Antioch place of exile. thanks John Stuart
(22) Hal Edwards, August 28, 2010 5:28 AM
All Jews should be proud they are Jews!
In spite of my name change, I am extremely proud to be a Jew and to tell the whole world that I am a Jew! anyone who is ashamed of being a jew, is not worthyof being Jewish. I love G-D and I love all Jews!!
(21) Anonymous, December 4, 2007 9:39 PM
ommit reb reb elimelech
the leader of most chasidim today comes from the basic teachinggs of the reb reb elimelech of leshensk i dont understand why he was left out
(20) Orly, December 4, 2007 10:05 AM
Not all or nothing!
Thank you for writing a historical article that was able to portray the breadth of both Chassidim and Misnagdim in an unbiased perspective. I am friendly with many people from both Chassidish and Litvishe communities and always had a hard time listening to their (albeit well-meant) misunderstandings of eachother. I think both groups have fantastic and meaningful direction to offer, and the person that really wants to serve Hashem in the best way possible can integrate pointers (obviously in absolute accordance with halacha) that he feels will bring him closer to the Torah.
Matthew Wolsk, September 28, 2012 8:31 PM
The Rebbe is not G-d
I worked for a Chassidic Jew who had a list of important ideas for his life. A kind of personal Torah.At that time I was very into Chasidut. On his list was "The Rebbe for me is like G-d." What he meant by that, only he knew. By posting it in my view, he violated the principle that one should not assume that a "teaching" will be properly understood. As in Perkei Avot (1st Perek, 11th Mishna ) “Avtalyon said: ‘Sages, be careful with your words lest you deserve to be exiled and are exiled to a place of bad waters. The students who come after you will drink of these waters and die and God’s Name will be desecrated.’ While there are many good Chasidim who do not espouse this view, those who do are clearly violating a central foundation of our Torah namely the 1st and 2nd commandments. We as Jews, Thank G-d, do not need intermediaries. We can speak directly to Him anytime we like. G-d Bless Am Yisrael!
(19) Mark Jacobi, December 3, 2007 5:09 PM
In Defence of the Esteemed Lubavitcher Rebbe (Zechus Yagen Aleinu)
I must disagree with B.'s comment; publishes earlier. I had the true zechus merit to talk and receive letters from the esteemed Lubavitcher Rebbe who passed away in Brookyln in 1994; Zechus Yagen Aleinu; may his great Merit protect us! How very convenient not to give your full name when you make disparanging comments! You head for cover under the anonymity of The Internet/Cyberspace!
The arguments between Misnagdim and Chasidim were formally finished at the time of R. Chaim of Volzhin when the heat of the argument had past. Why the harping back to earlier 'machlokes' times; shouldn't we Jews be looking for Shalom amongst ourselves????
B also neglects to mention the total background to the riots in Crown Heights that led to the death of Yankel Rosenbaum of Blessed Memory. This isn't the place to discuss it but The Rebbe cannot be blamed for what happened. What nonsense!!!
The Rebbe was totally given over for all Jews/Yidden regardless of whether they were Chasidim or Misnagdim; Sephardim Ashkenazim etc etc. The Rebbe would stand for hours giving out advice and dollars for charity Tzedoka on Sundays. Which 90 something year old Rabbi/Rebbe does this? How many childless couples have The Rebbe to thank for his advice and prayer on their behalf? Many, many.
When I wanted get married ~ 20 years ago I asked The Rebbe for advice and he gave it to be. My wife and I are Thank G-d blessed with kids and almost 19 years of marriage! ad 120!
Also how wise was the esteemed Rebbe in Torah. What a Talmid Chacham and Gaon he was. I sorely miss him as do so many others! What an encyclopedic knowledge of Shulkan Aruch; Talmud and Kabbalah and Chassidus he had. If you don't believe me just pick up The Rebbe's Sichos Torah talks and look at the footnotes he quotes from all of Shas, Poskim and other classical Torah sources. What knowledge of science did this true Tzaddik have? Possibly he knew more than many top scientists for he had an incredible knowledge of science,medicine and engineering. How many Shulichim are out there in far flung places helping their fellow Jews upon the advice of this great man and Sage. They even have a CHabad House in Laos and Vietnam nowadays. Which other Jewish group Orthodox or not does this sort of thing all because their Rebbe encourages it?
Finally The Rebbe said Moshiach is coming in our generation - G-d will honour what this true Tzaddik said and send The Moshiach! Tzaddik Gaver Ve'HaKodesh Baruch Ho Mikayem The Tzaddik decrees and Hashem makes it happpen as written in The Gemara.
Those who knew this True Tzaddik know it is wrong to speak against him!
(18) Grace Fishenfeld, December 2, 2007 3:11 PM
With Appreciation and Respect
This lesson was wonderful reading for me, a secular Jew. How can I be anything but grateful to Rabbi Spiro for giving me insight into how the the effect past practices in our religion, has had on what is now Modern Jewry?
We are still a thinking responsible people. I mean that we, as Jews, have learned to appreciate varing concepts of what Judaism is from the great scholars and formers of the past.
We will not burn in hell for embracing any of the forms Judiasm has taken. A Reformed, Conservative, Orthodox or even a secular Jew is still a Jew.
About the comment by Thomas, 11/19/2001,
titled, The Gaon Was Right. his assumption has the ring of meaning to me. He cites, as I understand his agreement with the Gaons opposition to Hassidism, giving a Rabbi too much power can lead to the creation of a false messiah, just as the apostles turned another thinking Jew into a Messiah long ago. Followers have fashioned another wonderful Jewish leader into a Messiah in Brooklyn. The Rabbi is innocent. His followers are the propagandists.
There is no fault in finding joy and the lifting of spirits through song and dance. The spirit is enhanced by such involvement and does not take detract from the powers of intellect. One may be dedicated to learning Talmud and still look for the joy of enlightenment and even reason. We may strive for knowledge and reason and rejoice in the idea that God is in everything. We can be grateful for the gift of life and challenge its source. Part of the nature of man is to try to know. We take pains to push our boundaries, and respect the force that brought us, in this capacity, to appreciate and care for all of creation. Is that not joy?
(17) Russell, March 1, 2007 6:45 PM
Great outline
This is a great series! I plan on finishing it up and then going back to fill in with more details/commentary/etc.
(16) Ari Haviv, November 15, 2003 12:00 AM
hisnagdus anachronism today
There are still a few anti-chassidic holdouts just like we can still find pockets of karaites and samaritans today. It is the exception-not the rule and that is why Aguda represents both chassidic and yeshivish aspects
(15) Allan Jacobson, July 22, 2003 12:00 AM
A brief history of the Hassidic Movement
Good insight about a powerful movement. The Hassidic Movement has introduced many Jews to Judaism. Without their efforts many disconnected souls would be lost.
(14) Anonymous, July 6, 2003 12:00 AM
opposition to hassidism (hisnagdus) has firm basis and is alive and well today
I would like to mention, that the truth is, as opposed to wishful thinking of some, that the opposition to hassidism (today and in the past) was / is based on sound reasons and not on misconception(s) as some people would like others to believe.
While the conflict nowadays may be less visible, vocal and sharp compared to the past, it still goes on - in the realm of ideas.
Those who want to get some more knowledge about hisnagdus / misnagdim, might want to look at the following works (I don't endorse everything in them - but they can broaden horizons - one should not rely solely [if at all]on hassidic writings about misnagdim / hisnagdus, if one wants to get a balanced account)-
1) The hassidic movement and the Gaon of Vilna by Elijah Schochet (Aronson publishing).
2) The Faith of the Mithnagdim - by Allan Nadler.
3)'HaGaon' by Rav Dov Eliach (Hebrew)-esp. chapter on this subject in volume III.
Another very serious problem with hassidism is that it caused (and causes even today) serious splits within communities and families and encouraged/es people to abandon ancestral customs going back generations. For example the hassidim encourage/d people to abandon the traditional Ashkenazic nusach of Tefillah (prayer), which their ancestors used for generations, which goes back to all time great Jews like Rashi and instead adopt a different rite. While all Ashkenazic Jews basically prayed together / the same way before the hassidic movement, the hassidim broke away and established their own prayer houses - thereby diminishing Jewish unity.
Also, many hassidim wantonly disregard various halochos (Jewish laws) - e.g. proper times for prayer, eating in Sukkah on Shemini Atzeres, etc.
(13) Rabbi Samuel C>G> White, July 2, 2003 12:00 AM
A MUST in every Jewish household
complelling reading for every Jew who is a serious student of Judaic studies & thought
(12) Joel Hoffman, June 30, 2003 12:00 AM
Good Essay, But Not Thorough...
Dear Rabbi Spiro,
I was pleasantly surprised with your overall neutral essay about Hasidism which was published on Aish.Com. I hope you do not get hired for such a thing (ha, ha!) -- this is because I enjoy reading your essays.
The said essay, however, would have been more complete if it included more of the major emphasis of Hasidism. For example:
(a) Praying with concentration;
(b) Loving all Jews;
(c) Always being joyous;
(d) Doing the Commandments with beautification;
(e) Everyone studying Jewish Mysticism on his/her own level.
Rabbi Joel Hoffman
New Orleans, LA
(11) Jeffrey Kass, June 30, 2003 12:00 AM
Refreshing
I read your article on Chasidism with much surprise. It was so nice to see fair and honest treatment of Chasdism. I became religious through Chasidim and have encountered significant negativity. This article has given me new hope that ahavas yisroel is back! The only thing I would have added to the article is that just as the opponents may have had a positive impact on the scholarship of Chasidim, so too Chasdim may have positively impacted the joy part of Judaism among its opponents. Thanks again!
(10) Yudi Steiner, October 20, 2002 12:00 AM
very impressed yet dismayed
Dear Rabbi Spiro,
For many reasons (first hand accounts and stories I've heard) my impression of Aish's atitude toward Chassidim in general, and Chabad in particular, was not possitive to put it mildly. So I must say that I was suprised and thoroughly relieved to see your unbiased report of the History of the Chassidic Movement. Yasher Koach, may other non-chassidic writers be valiant enough to do the same. Yet ther was one comment that did remind me of that preconceived notion. When you mentioned, without any source reference that The vilna Gaon's rejection of Chassidism was based on his suspicion that another false Messiah would result. My notion was strengthened as I later read a horribly corrupt comment from one of your readers. The only way to uproot the horible sinas chinam amongst us (yes dispite the efforts of one of your readers all Jews are one interpendent body) we must forewarn any irresponsible hate-stimulating comments, by carefully selecting our every word.
(9) B. L., February 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Vilna Gaon Misgivings Proved Correct !
The late Lubavitcher Rebbe was unable to protect his followers from black thugs in his neighborhood (Crown Heights Riots); nevertheless, he was considered (and still is considered the Moschiach by some Lubavitchers) the Moschiach by a large part of his flock. As someone who has spent some time in a Hassidic yeshiva, I know first hand that when mysticism replaces or preempts rationalism in Jewish study, the way to foolishness and superstition is left wide open.
Hasidic Rebbes and their disciples may espouse heretical views, and engage in evil acts such as the Neturei Karta (Hassidic sect which consorts with the Arab enemies of the Jews in the name of religion) without facing effective censure from rabbinical bodies since each Hassidic sect is an independent body within Judaism.
(8) Dov Greenberg Greenberg, December 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Comments regarding chassidic leaders
Dear Rabbi Spiro,
I am an avid reader of you Crash Course History Series which I thoroughly enjoy and recommend to others. I would like to make the following observations concerning the Chasssidic movement and with regard to the Besht and the Alter Rebbe.
1. It amazes me how so many authors could have imagined that the teacher of so many great Torah scholars--such as Rabbis Yaakov Yoseph of Polnoye, Dov Ber of Mezritch, Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev and others--could have been any less a tremendous scholar himself.
The Maggid was not a psychologist yet the greats of psychology attest to his intellectual prowess, So when the great torah scholars such as Alter Rebbe and others considered themselves to be the Maggid’s students what does this tell us abut his torah greatness?
2. It is interesting you write “the Alter Rebbe … wrote the famous work, the Tanya, and founded the Lubavitch sect of Hassidism…” and neglect to say that he wrote the famous work could Shulchon Aruch Harav. Works of Halacha that demonstrate brilliant mastery of the Talmud and its commentaries. It is a work which virtually every Rav and Dayan whether Chassid or Misnagid consults with (Rabbi Wein says “everyone has to agree Shulchon Aruch Harav is a masterpiece”) its seem to me that you want to write a history of the Jewish people as objective and accurate as possible. Therefore, I hope you don’t mind this simple observation. That by neglecting to write 3 words “Shulchan Aruch Harav” you give the impression that this Hassidic sect and its teachings are steeped in Kabbalah and in spiritual holiness but the Talmud and Jewish law is not really their field.
I eagerly await your response on the above matter,
Rabbi Dov Greenberg
Director
Conejo Jewish Academy
Agoura Hills, CA
PS. Looking forward to seeing a book on Jewish history by Rabbi Spiro.
(7) Menashe Kaltmann, November 21, 2001 12:00 AM
Chassidus ReJEWvenuted Yiddishkeit
Thank you for this interesting article.
Isn't it true and an established historical FACT that The Saintly Vilna Gaon was misinformed by others in Vilna
about the true nature and sincerity of The Chassidic Movement.
These people whatever their terrible motives misinformed THe Saintly Gaon. One example of this is when 'supposed' Chassidic works were brought in front of The Gaon and The Gaon was asked to rule on whether they were real Torah literature. The Gaon ruled that these were false yet
these manuscripts were in fact forgeries where the manuscripts had been altered on purpose.
In Rabbi Berel Wein's tapes he talks about how Reb Schneur Zalman of Liadi The Saintly Alter Rebbe went with another Chassidic Rebbe I think The Saintly Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horodoker and attempted to meet with The Gaon and one of The Gaon's servants sent them away. Later after this episode The Alter Rebbe felt that a real opportunity had been missed. I think that The Alter Rebbe felt Moshiach would of come if all would of gone well and the meeting would of taken place and true Shalom would of existed between all Jews...
Let's pray for Shalom even now between all Klal Yisrael
(6) Janet Miller, November 20, 2001 12:00 AM
The Merits of Chassidism
Before this morning, I could not have said anything kind about Chasidic Jewry. I had always thought of Chasidism as an ultra-orthodox, fanatical version of Judaism.
I now see the positive contributions made by the Baal-Shem-Tov in teaching Jews to connect with HaShem every minute in every aspect of their lives. I recently saw an article in my local JEWISH PRESS that characterized Jews as more than the general American population to be oriented towards the secular and athiest. I as a Conservative Jew would like to hear more about God and the mitzvot detailing human relationships with him in my synagogue.
In Eastern Europe, this movement, after pogroms and financial educational losses, most probably helped keep the faith alive by emphasizing faith and prayer of the heart. I have also heard stories of Chasidim who did things like bring TANACH to Jews in the former Soviet Union and give hardy welcomes to visiting Jews and newcomers in the community.
Thank you, Rabbi Spiro, for helping to change my perspective. Every week I look forward to your history lessons.
(5) Thomas Sterling, November 19, 2001 12:00 AM
The Gaon was right
It appears the Vilna Gaon got it right -a branch of the Hassidic movement (part (but not all) of Chabad) has elevated their Rebbeh to the level of Messiah.
I wonder what the Vilna Gaon would say?
(4) Uriela Obst, November 19, 2001 12:00 AM
Hassidism DID strengthen Judaism
In answer to the comment below erroneously stating that Hassidism weakened Jewish learning and did not strengthen Judaism. Before the Hassidic movement came along only the elite few studied. The rest of the Jews were slipping farther and farther away having no learning and no spirituality in their lives. The Hassidic movement saved hundreds of thousands of Jews from slipping away. This is how it made Judaism stronger, and it continues to do so today.
(3) , November 19, 2001 12:00 AM
Response to Anonymous
Hasidism trully strengthened Judaism and it is certainly not a cult. Judaism had gone into a fainting spell at the time, and as one awakens someone who has fainted by calling one's name, G-d called Israel's name, so to speak, by sending the soul of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov into the world (I heard this from my Rabbi, Rabbi Shusterman). Hassidism did not degrade the importance of Torah learning, but showed the greatness of the simple faith of the simple Jew. Hassidism revealed the fifth level of Torah interpratation, in addition to the first four of literal, hinted, homelitical, and kabbalistic, corresponding to the five levels of the soul. And as for the opposition, was there not much opposition to Rambam's Mishneh Torah?
(2) Rabbi Richard Allen, November 19, 2001 12:00 AM
I find this course superb - especially for helping converts.
I am indebted to Rabbi Spiro for this course. I am actively reaching out to Interfaith couples, trying to make Judaism more "user-friendly," and by doing so help to teach converts as well as Jews. My aim is to get conversions and to have children raised in Jewish homes.
This course is a wonderful beginning. It is not the end by any means. We should study all out lives. The writing style is easygoing and I have been thanked many times for making it available.
One couple, who are coming to the U.S. from Germany for me to marry them is so thrilled with it that the groom is putting it on his (non-Jewish) company's web site for all to learn.
(1) Anonymous, November 18, 2001 12:00 AM
Hasidism strengthened Judaism??
What is the basis for the following statement:
"As a result of the Hassidic contribution, Judaism became stronger and more ready to face the assault it would soon face from a new secular movement in the Western called "The Enlightenment.""?
Isn't it more likely that the hasidic degradation of learning actually weakened Judaism? And doesn't the hasidic mental fixation with 17th century Eastern European culture (clothing & language) reduce hasidism to a cult?