(Hebrew, from hasid, "the pious") — Revivalist movements that have appeared three times in the course of Jewish history, most recently in eastern Europe in the eighteenth century. Synonomous today with ultraorthodoxy, contemporary Hasidism was originally regarded as religiously liberal because of its emphasis on a pure spirit over study of the Talmud and on getting close to God through joy. See habad, Lubavitcher.
"The Pious", mystical Jewish movement founded by Israel ben Eliezer in the Ukraine; major sects include Chabad, Satmer, Belz, Brestlau.
A movement founded by Baal Shem Tov in 18th century southeastern Poland. An idea common to the varieties of Hasidism is the pervasiveness of the divine presence behind and in all created things through the divine sparks. The task of the true Hasid is to rescue the divine sparks by engaging in mitzvah, moral acts in all one's worldly dealings, In order to sanctify the world.
Teachings of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, taught by his disciples, focusing on love of one's fellow, from which one can aspire to love the Creator.
A Jewish religious movement founded by Baal-Shem-Tov in the 18th century. Although it was declared heretical in 1781 by the Talmudists, Hasidic communities continue to thrive in the United States and Israel. Followers of Hasidism regard acts of religious devotion as being more important than scholarly learning.
beliefs and practices of a sect of Orthodox Jews
Founded by Israel Baal Shem Tov, the Master of the Good Name (1700-1760). The Hasidic movement, a revolt against rabbinism and its accent on talmudic accomplishment, stresses good deeds and piety through joy of worship, songs, legends and dance. It had a wide appeal to the masses and its followers were, and still are, called Hasidim.