Hasidism as an interpretation of Judaism

Hasidism is a religious movement emerged in Eastern Europe among the Polish Jews towards the end of 18th century. The founder of Hasidism, Isaac ben Eliezer, reformed traditional Jewish mystical thought, Kabbala, and made it accessible to the Jewish masses. The sophisticated and, to some extent, mysterious principles of Kabbala were applied to popular piety.After the demise of Israel ben Eliezer, Hasidism spread throughout eastern Europe under new leaders. The religious life and interpretation of Judaism developed by Hasidism caused vigorous opposition from rabbinic authorities at that time.Under the leadership of charismatic leaders known as ?rebbe?, Hasidic thought developed in various centres. With emphasis on the love of God and its joyful manifestation, Hasidism received a wide welcome from the Jewish multitude.The mass migration from Europe to the America in the second half of the 19th and the beginning of 20th century provided Hasidism with an opportunity of dissemination in the new world. The Holy Land, which was under the British control after the I. World War, has a mystical importance for Hasidism. Beside, rising anti-Semitism in Europe stimulated many Hasidim to migrate to Palestine.Hasidism expects its followers to have a life governed by religious rules. In the early period of Hasidism, the Jews lived in the Jewish ghettos in many part of Europe. Contemporary Hasidism maintains not only religious teaching and interpretation but also fashion of clothing of the early period. Therefore, Hasidism is a living tradition of 18th century Europe.