School of Hasidism

The Hasidic mysticism could be found as the third significant mysticism in the history of Judaism after both schools of Kabbalah and Merkabah. The word Hasid, which means pious and well tempered and an abstinent man who is firm minded in piety and faith in God, was generally used in Judaism but later came to be a special name for such a religious mystical movement. In the eighteenth century and upon the influence of the unfavorable social situation of Jews in Israel, this movement became well known as Baal Shem Tov or Besht. The primary center of Hasidism was in Ukraine and South Poland but after a short period of time it became widespread throughout Europe. Hasidism teachings were affected by Kabbalah and instead of observing apparent Judaic law it emphasized on personal praying of God though it was more general and extensive than Kabbalah. That is why it turned out to be a public movement. One of the most important achievements of primary Hasidism was stabilization of charismatic leadership or holy and spiritual power in the Judaic community titled "seddigh" acting as the mediator between God and other creatures.