The Expansion of Chassidus

Over the course of a few years the Baal Shem Tov canvased much of Eastern-Europe, and amassed a large following of students and common folk alike.42 In the year 5500/1740, the Baal Shem Tov relocated, settling in the more centrally located city of Mezibuzh, in the Podolia province.43 Mezibuzh would become the center of the fledgling chassidic movement, attracting visitors from across the entire area.

Many highly respected Rabbis and Torah scholars of the time were drawn to the Baal Shem Tov, and before long, a circle of esteemed disciples, known as the Chevraya Kadisha, or “the holy brotherhood,” was formed.44 These outstanding scholars and Rabbis helped to spread the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov in their communities, and Chassidus spread rapidly throughout Poland and the neighboring provinces.45

Ultimately, it was these students who cemented the legacy of the Baal Shem Tov into the annals of the Jewish People. Having personified a new model of Jewish leadership, it was following the Baal Shem Tov’s passing on Shavuos 5520/1760 that his students became “the Baal Shem Tovs of the next generation” and further established the chassidic movement.46

Most significantly, Rabbi Dov Ber, known as the Maggid of Mezritch, a recognized sage and orator before having been attracted to Chassidus, succeeded the Baal Shem Tov as the primary leader of Chassidus.47 He further expanded the range and implication of chassidic teaching, and attracted an even larger following of Chevraya Kadisha who in turn transformed the majority of Eastern Europe into a bastion of Chassidus.48

The Movement Gets a Name

As the movement of the Baal Shem Tov expanded, its members began to be referred to by various descriptive names. They were called the freilecher, or “joyous ones,” the baalei teshuvah, or returnees, and chassidim, literally translated as “the pious ones.”49 Ultimately, the name chassidim stuck, and the movement and its teachings were named Chassidus.50

This unique name carries several descriptive intents:

A chassid is one who goes beyond the letter of the law.51

The Talmud describes a chassid as someone who is willing to do something for another even at personal expense or risk.52

The word chassid is a form of the word chessed, meaning “kindness.” This is understood to refer to the selfless character of a chassid whose diligent focus on Divine service is not for their own advantage; rather, it is with the sole intent to fulfill G‑d’s desire.53 In this sense, all of life is aimed at “doing kindness” to G‑d and His world regardless of personal gain.

The term chassid denotes an inner wholesomeness of personal character.54