Editing The Alter Rebbe (section)

== Opposition to Chabad Chassidus ==
As the influence of Chabad Chassidus grew, so did the opposition to it. The Misnagdim (opponents of Chassidus) accused the Chassidim of introducing new practices and deviating from traditional Judaism. They claimed that the Chassidim placed too much emphasis on prayer and emotional fervor, at the expense of Torah study and halachic observance.

In response, the Alter Rebbe composed letters and writings defending the teachings of Chassidus and explaining its foundations in Torah. He emphasized that Chassidus was not a new movement, but rather a deepening of the existing traditions of Jewish life and a means of bringing every Jew closer to Hashem.