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A Chasid refers to followers of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples within the Chassidic movement. They engage in divine service internally, utilizing inner soul powers beyond external actions, integrating both intellectual and emotional aspects in Torah observance. | A '''Chasid''' refers to followers of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples within the Chassidic movement. They engage in divine service internally, utilizing inner soul powers beyond external actions, integrating both intellectual and emotional aspects in Torah observance. | ||
After the spread of Chassidic teachings under the Baal Shem Tov's leadership, this title became associated with all believers in Chassidic teachings and those following its ways. According to Chabad tradition published by the Rebbe Rayatz, in the early years of the Chassidic movement, the Baal Shem Tov called his disciples "beloved ones," "friends," or "beloved company" rather than Chasidim. | After the spread of Chassidic teachings under the Baal Shem Tov's leadership, this title became associated with all believers in Chassidic teachings and those following its ways. According to Chabad tradition published by the Rebbe Rayatz, in the early years of the Chassidic movement, the Baal Shem Tov called his disciples "beloved ones," "friends," or "beloved company" rather than Chasidim. | ||
= Historical Development = | == Historical Development == | ||
The term "Chasidim" first appeared in print in opposition proclamations during the latter days of the Maggid of Mezeritch in 1772. The opponents used this term critically, sometimes altering it to suggest suspicion. The Rebbe Rayatz noted that logically, the opponents should have been called "opposers" since one cannot oppose something before it exists, but Divine providence led them to give Chassidim their proper name. | The term "Chasidim" first appeared in print in opposition proclamations during the latter days of the Maggid of Mezeritch in 1772. The opponents used this term critically, sometimes altering it to suggest suspicion. The Rebbe Rayatz noted that logically, the opponents should have been called "opposers" since one cannot oppose something before it exists, but Divine providence led them to give Chassidim their proper name. | ||
The Alter Rebbe wrote during his first imprisonment (1799): "The masses call them Chasidim throughout White Russia, Poland, and most of Lithuania, named after the early Chasidim who prayed with great concentration, though today's Chasidim are not as great as the early ones." | The Alter Rebbe wrote during his first imprisonment (1799): "The masses call them Chasidim throughout White Russia, Poland, and most of Lithuania, named after the early Chasidim who prayed with great concentration, though today's Chasidim are not as great as the early ones." | ||
= What Befits a Chasid = | == What Befits a Chasid == | ||
The Rebbe Maharash taught that certain behaviors befit a Chasid: | The Rebbe Maharash taught that certain behaviors befit a Chasid: | ||
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* Acting with love and brotherhood | * Acting with love and brotherhood | ||
= Brotherhood Among Chasidim = | == Brotherhood Among Chasidim == | ||
The Tzemach Tzedek explained that Chassidic ways mean all Chasidim should be like one family. From the Alter Rebbe onward, great emphasis was placed on Chasidim living as true brothers. This manifests in both material assistance and spiritual growth together. | The Tzemach Tzedek explained that Chassidic ways mean all Chasidim should be like one family. From the Alter Rebbe onward, great emphasis was placed on Chasidim living as true brothers. This manifests in both material assistance and spiritual growth together. | ||
== Iskafya and Is'hapcha == | == Iskafya and Is'hapcha == | ||
== Iskafya: Subduing negative impulses == | |||
* Is'hapcha: Transforming negative to positive | * Is'hapcha: Transforming negative to positive | ||
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Core practice for maintaining connection | Core practice for maintaining connection | ||
= Historical Context = | == Historical Context == | ||
Early Chasidim were also called "di freiliche" (the joyous ones) due to their emphasis on joyful divine service. An expression states that "Chasidim on Tisha B'Av are more joyful than opponents on Simchat Torah." | Early Chasidim were also called "di freiliche" (the joyous ones) due to their emphasis on joyful divine service. An expression states that "Chasidim on Tisha B'Av are more joyful than opponents on Simchat Torah." | ||
= Significance of the Title = | == Significance of the Title == | ||
The Rebbe Rayatz explained to a non-Jew that "Chasid" and "Chasidim" indicate going beyond the ordinary - studying deeper wisdom, praying with enthusiasm, and performing charity and kindness exceptionally. | The Rebbe Rayatz explained to a non-Jew that "Chasid" and "Chasidim" indicate going beyond the ordinary - studying deeper wisdom, praying with enthusiasm, and performing charity and kindness exceptionally. | ||
= A Distinct Identity = | Many explanations have been written about the names 'Chassid' and 'Chassidim'. One of them was expressed by the Frierdiker Rebbe in response to a non-Jew's question [source needed]: "The names Chassid and Chassidim indicate superiority over the usual. Chassidus indicates a type of knowledge that is higher than the type of knowledge found in the revealed Torah, and the name Chassid indicates a person who in all his matters conducts himself with superiority over the usual - he studies Chassidus, davens with enthusiasm, gives tzedakah and performs chesed with distinction." | ||
The Alter Rebbe once expressed an idea to call Chassidim 'Baalei Teshuvah', because their avodas Hashem according to the Chassidic approach brings them to true teshuvah. However, he reconsidered this idea, lest people say that whoever is not a Chassid is, chas v'shalom, a rasha. | |||
In one of the Frierdiker Rebbe's writings where he describes the beginning of the Chabad movement, he writes: Chabad Chassidus demands from those who follow its approach - in addition to the lifestyle of other Chassidim - to study Chassidus and ensure that the learning leads to practical action in transforming one's natural middos. Elsewhere, he adds that a Chassid is not only one who is mekushar to the Rebbe but also one who is devoted to the Rebbe's activities. | |||
In Hayom Yom (21 Adar Rishon), the Rebbe writes: "In Chabad Chassidus, the title Chassid refers to one who recognizes his own essential nature and standing in Torah knowledge and learning, and his situation in mitzvah observance. He knows what he lacks and puts his heart and worries into filling what is missing, and increases in discipline through kabbalas ol." | |||
== A Distinct Identity == | |||
Chabad leaders emphasized that being a Chasid represents a completely different essence. The Rebbe Maharash taught that just as certain things are "unfitting" physically, there are spiritual behaviors unfitting for a Chasid. | Chabad leaders emphasized that being a Chasid represents a completely different essence. The Rebbe Maharash taught that just as certain things are "unfitting" physically, there are spiritual behaviors unfitting for a Chasid. | ||