To be Determined Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

To be Determined - Essay Example Through his interpretation of Torah, he emphasized its importance in the life of people who believed in the piety of the soul and body. Hasidism in Hebrew means pious and Besht’s followers came to be known as hasidims and the spiritual movement became popular as Hasidism. Hasidism is known for its ‘piety, humility, and kabbalistic insights which had transformed religious practices and religious authority’ (Mintz, 1992, p10). Besht’s mystical power of healing was contributed to the powers of prayers and purity of heart that is devoted to God. Hasidism spread to other parts of the world through the disciples who propagated the teachings of Besht. The persons who preached the tenets of Torah and spirituality were called Zaddik and later on, were known as Rabbe. The mystic Zaddiks were spiritual guides whose prayers could heal and people came to them in their distress. Hasidims practice simple living and have strong community feeling. Hasidism promotes peaceful co-existence and intrinsically believes in the goodness of people. The basic religious philosophy of Hasidism is centered on the study of Torah, the religious scripture and the mystical powers of prayers. Hence, spiritual leaders or Rabbe are held in high place of reverence. Hasidism primarily believes that people should develop closer relationship with God through daily prayers and good and moral living. Devotion to God is paramount. The study of Torah is essential part of hasidim’s life. Each Hasidic group is guided by the Zaddic or Rabbe who has his own court where people congregate to hear his teachings. The various festivals are important occasions for hasidims to collectively pray at synagogues and purify their soul and body. The Hasidic movement branched out into different Hasidic movement through the Zaddiks in different places. The new Hasidic movement was either named after the spiritual guide or Zaddiks or the name of the place. The