Hasidism is a branch of Ultra-Orthodox Judaism that was started in the 18th century by Israel ben Eliezer, widely known as the Baal Shem Tov (“Master of a Good Name” in Hebrew). The movement began in what was then western Ukraine and spread rapidly throughout Eastern Europe. Tragically, nearly all European Hasidic Jews perished in the Holocaust. Today, the majority of Hasidim live in the United States and Israel.
It should be noted that Hasidic Judaism was controversial from its beginnings and has become so again — largely because of the Hasidic community’s insularity, rejection of many aspects of modernity, practices in educating children, views about women and LGBTQ people, and more.
Googling “Hasidic Jews” will produce a wealth of information about all aspects of Hasidism.
Quotes: “From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven, and when two souls that are destined to be together find each other, the streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from that united being.” | “Just as we love ourselves despite the shortcomings we have, so should we love others despite the shortcomings they have.” — Baal Shem Tov, founding father of Hasidic Judaism
Sources: Wikipedia, GoodReads.com
Learn more about Hasidic Judaism on Wikipedia. >>
Watch “What is Hasidic Judaism? A Brief History of the Movement” [5:38]. >>
Photo: Shutterstock
Amazing Jews
In Celebration of the Jewish People
