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Chassidut |
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(In part: Adapted from the translator's forward by Rabbi Zalman Posner and his translation of "Kuntres Torat HaChasidus", by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, in On the Study of Chasidus, Kehot Pub., 1997) Eastern European Jewry of the 18th century was under physical and spiritual strain. Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, embarked on the ambitious program of elevating the spirit of the Jews, teaching them and encouraging them to serve G-d with sincerity and joy. Chassidut merges the concealed and revealed Torah into one, revealing the inner dimension of the Torah and its commandments, and stimulates a G-dly feeling in the heart of a Jew. Chassidut relates to each individual Jew and his or her capabilities, teaching one to draw near Holiness and how to serve G-d with one's heart and mind. Differing from traditional and often abstract Kabbalah, Chassidut focuses on the practical side of mysticism. Of the innovations of the Chassidic movement were the emphasis on making Kabbalistic teachings more readily available and understood by all Jews, even the most unlearned; an emphasis was placed on systems of mystical meditations; personal connection to a 'Rebbe', a Torah leader who is expert in the inner dimension of the Torah, and through whom a follower would receive individualized council as to physical and spiritual progress. With the advent of Chabad Chassidut, published works of Chassidut became widespread even to many who had not yet come in direct contact with a Rebbe. |
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Ascent of Safed
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