Hasidic Judaism

Hasidic Judaism sprang up from the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect) Jews. Their name comes from the Hebrew meaning loving kindness 'chesed' and they focus on the joyful aspect of worship.

It was founded by Israel ben Eliezer during the 18th Century. Persecution was rife and the elites of Judaism found comfort in Talmudic study. Israel ben Eliezer did not like how many of the poor Jews could not take comfort as they could not read. He set up the Hasidic movement to make Judaism accessible for all Jews. He shifted the focus away from Rabbinism and towards mysticism. Israel ben Eliezer became known as Baal Shem Tov by his followers, which means master of a good name.

His aim was to reveal outer and hidden aspects of the Torah.

Hasidisim was popular because it focused more on the piety and devotion of the believer rather than Torah study. 50% of Jews in Europe were once Hasidic.

It was also popular because it focused less on execting rituals and more on taking part and experiencing them. Baal Shem Tov was able to show that worshipping God was not simply confined to Talmud study.

Lastly, Hasidism grew because it appeal to the ordinary people.

Through the guidance of the tzaddik. they could worship God as an equal rather than having to learn theological knowledge to gain closeness with God.

24/30