Hasidic Role in Popularizing Mysticism

The early Hasidim were a revolutionary group within the philosophical realm. They popularized Jewish ideas and stood against the established modes of religious thought and practice which seemed too lofty for the masses. Their piety and kavannah (intent) did not only increase personal devotion, they also brought to the mainstream community many mystical perspectives and created a way for non-religious Jews to pursue spirituality as well as observance of Torah.

The dissemination of Kabala helped common men study hidden concepts not available before to the unlearned. Practical Kabalists mostly accommodated their public and were part of the pre- and post-enlightenment mixture of the sciences and popular folklore. This happened some time after the rationalistic scholars such as Maimonides had discouraged mysticism in any form. Zoharic as well as Lurianic Kabala brought to Judaism an enlightened path through the Middle Ages and turmoil of the Reformation era, but to the Mitnagdim these forms of mysticism delve into forbidden territory. Although their fear was rooted in the decline of traditional Jewish practice, the Hasidim to this date excel in their study Mishnah and Talmud, being in the forefront of traditional religious expression.

The Hasidic emphasis on Kiddush Hashem (the sanctification G-d’s name) can be found in rabbinical sources, but the Mitnagdim feared that their incantations, belief in reincarnation, and angelology and demonology would lead the masses astray. There also believed that their self-proclaimed mystics position themselves as prophets, something that cheapen the revelation given to the great men of the Jewish bible.

The popularity of the various Baalei Shem is understandable at a time when leadership was needed, especially as pogroms were taking place in Eastern Europe. At the same time it was necessary for the mystics to spread practical magic to the unlearned people in Jewish terms, helping them to avoid non-Jewish influences. As Kabala spread hidden meanings of the Torah, Judaism became more palatable. This sublime understanding of Judaism helped people who were struggling to survive as they were always told by Christians around them that their religion was an exercise in futility. Mystical books such as the Zohar, that became part of sod (a hidden interpretation) of the Torah, which uncovered its mysteries.

The Hasidic movement also neutralized the messianic expectations taking place at that time channeled Kabala in a way that it would encourage connection to Judaism. Although some scholars might say that the Hasidim only reinforced superstitious European mentality and local folklore, they also brought about mystical literature filled with eclectic ideas based on Renaissance and pre-enlightenment concepts. It is interesting to note that these books are now sacred to the same community that originally rejected them, as the Mitnagdim of that time used to brand the Hasidim with the title “sons of pirates and sharp knives.”