JWST 347 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Baal Shem Tov, Social Stratification, Kabbalah

• School: University of Maryland
• Department: Jewish Studies
• Course: JWST 347
• Professor: Rachel Manekin

Document Summary

12th and 13th century hasidism - a group of jews in germany that stood out in their ascetic customs-> saintly. 18th century hasidism- a new movement of religious revival with distinct social characteristics: it"s members-hasidism, the movment developed in poland (podolia) Scholars used to mark the year 1733, when the founder revealed himself, as the beginning. Scholars found this information through stories: the founder- israel baal shem tov (master of the good name), the. Rise in printing of practical kabbalah books. The besht was a healer and a mystic: leader of an elitist circle of old style hasidim. Religious enthusiasm to the point of ecstasy during the performance of religious commandments (especially during prayer) Adoption of the sephardic prayer book: includes intentions attributed to luria-mediation. Rejection of asceticism: joy has an important role in religion, observe god"s law with happiness. Broader concept of torah study: includes kabbalah and ethics.