Hasidim

At the Jerusalem Western Wall of the Temple Mount In Israel, one can often see Hasidic Jews praying and discussing Torah. But what are Hasidic Jews?

Hasidism is one of the Jewish Orientations originated in Eastern Europe in the 18th century at a time when Jews were experiencing great persecution. While the Jewish elite focused on and found comfort in Talmud study, the impoverished and uneducated Jewish masses hungered for a new approach. Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (1700-1760) found a way to democratize Judaism.

The word Hiasidism derived from the Hebrew "Chesed" - loving kindness. This movement focuses on the joyful observance of God's commandments, heartfelt prayer and love for God.

The largest Hasidic groups are located today in Israel and the USA and Bealz. In Israel, the major Hasidic groups are the Lubavitch, Gor, Viznitz

Some Hasidim (e. g. Chabad) are strongly supportive of the state of Israel.

They serve in the Israeli army and do various religious programs for Israeli soldiers in the field.

Other hasidic groups (e. g. the Satmar) do not recognize the validity of the State of Israel as a Jewish state, because it was not founded through the coming of the Messiah. In their eyes, Israeli society is, by and large, very secular and frequently deviates from real Jewish values.Satmar Hasidim revere the land of Israel as sacred, but they do not recognize the modern state of Israel, and do not serve in her armed forces. There are other Hasidic groups that do recognize the State of Israel, but do not serve in the army because they are pacifists. The dispute between particular groups of Hasidim and Misnagdim (those who are against hasidism) continues to this day, especially in Israel.