Chassidic Philosophy: What for?

There are many explanations given to define the contribution of Chassidism:

1) In the wake of the Chmielnicki Massacres of 1648-1649, the centers of Torah learning in Eastern Europe were destroyed, and the persecution of Jews increased… Heaven saw that to demand of the anguished survivors to attain joy and trust in G-d through incessant in-depth Torah study and hair-splittingly precise observance of Mitzvos, would be impossible for them to live up to… The Baal Shem Tov illuminated a path whereby every Jew could climb the ladder of prayer and “reach the Heavens” – even whilst “rooted in the ground” of mundane life. In this way, he breathed a renewed spirit of life into their bruised and broken hearts. And within just a short time, they again produced Torah scholars of great renown.

2) “Chassidism changes the nature of one’s character traits.”

3) “A Chassid is one who goes beyond the letter of the law.”

4) Through Chassidism all four levels of Torah study – the literal, allegorical, homiletic and esoteric – are rendered in a way that is deeper and relates more directly to man’s soul, and hence, more directly to man’s service of G-d.

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