Hassidism
Hassidim began as a new school of thought that challenged and also contributed to the human dimension of the whole person within Judaism. The growth and contribution of Hassidim was largely instigated through its mystical dimension from its Kabbalah roosts. The founder, Baal Shem Tov otherwise known as Rabbi Israel Ben Eliezer, placed a supernatural aspect to Jewish Faith as he gave hope and faith to the people with miracles and healing. The Development and expression of the Jewish faith has allowed it to contribute as a religion that contributed a lot to Jewish history and human understanding.
This change in Jewish Belief had greatly contributed on the overall development of Judaism as it challenged the traditional ways of Judaism. Furthermore to this Baal Shem Tov and his newly growing school of thought was a movement towards a charismatic Judaism much like the leader himself. It was beliefs that focused on the development of the person as a whole, allowing the Jewish people to understand Yahweh and develop a closer relationship in G-d individually. The mystical dimension of Hassidim was a major expression of Judaism as it moved away from documented faith to personal faith.
Rabbi Israel Ben Eliezer moved away from the traditional Jewish beliefs and practices as Hassidic Judaism focused on everyday life. As a result Hassidim was particularly admired and accepted by the ‘common’ people those being the less educated and the normal hardworking cultivators in Hassidic context. Hassidim spread quickly through these ‘common’ people and was embraced by masses due to simple messages.
This contribution of appealing to the larger Jewish community allowed the overall Jewish faith to grow and become a more accepted belief system as Hassidim allowed people to actively practice their Jewish faith without having to read Torah daily or do daily prayers at the synagogue. Instead Hassidim based is philosophy on two maxims, ‘G-d desires heart’ and ‘the whole world is full...
View Full Essay
