Hasidic Judaism-Essay help

Q.1 (a) Explain the challenges made to Hasidism in the early period of its development. [A01 30] You can include some or all of the following, but other relevant points will be acceptable

1. Outline the role of Baal Shem Tov in the growth of Hasidism which sets the context for challenges and criticisms 2. Criticisms in general about central characteristics of Hasidism are relevant for the time of growth as well as today. 3. Criticised for focusing on the idea that a pure religious spirit mattered more than Talmudic knowledge. 4. Criticised for ‘chaotic’ prayer service and enthusiastic worship. 5. Criticised for emphasising the Tzaddik (rebbe) as role model for a religious life. 6. Criticised for claims made about the Tzaddik e.g. spirituality, revelations of God through his actions, power and greatness of the Tzaddik and closeness to God. 7. Specific criticisms from the Mitnagdim e.g. fear of heresy, ‘slack’ attitude towards times for prayer, use of different prayer book. 8. During the Haskalah - make or break for most Jews in terms of keeping religious identity. 9. The role of the Gaon of Vilna in initiating steps to oppose Hasidism. 10. Persecution, verbal abuse excommunication and violence.