Chapter 2 - Hasidim + Mitnagdim and Enlightenment and Emancipation Flashcards
Who were the Chasidim?
A sect of Jews mainly based in Poland, led by the Ba’al Shem Tov, and believed in learning Torah as well as living a spiritual life. They sang Niggunim (wordless songs) which made them feel a connection to G-d. They believed that no matter how rich or poor you are, everyone could study Torah.
Who were Mitnagdim?
The Mitnagdim thought the new “chassidim” movement was a threat to their authority and weren’t satisfied as it was just after the shabbatai tzvi era and thought it may bring about the same false faith. They had a stronger emphasis on Torah, and were mainly based in Lithuania.
Who was the Ba’al Shem Tov (Besht)?
Born around 1700, in Ukraine, parents passed away when he was young. Pro chassidut and believed we have to b joyous while fulfilling gods word. Semmed like a simple peasent but had a deep knowledge of kabbalah. Engagaed to daughter of scholar who died before marriage finally worked his way up and got realised and got the name “BESHT- father of a good name’. At the time of his death chassidut had greatly expanded during the time he had been in charge. Initial name “Rabbi Yisrael ben Eliezer”
Who was the Vilna Ga’on?
A man who was believed to be a genious at the young age of 3! He was a scholar and heavily went against chassidim and thought it was ruining the main jewish ideals. He began the Mitnagdim movement. When he passed away all the chassidim celebrated enthusiastically.
Why did people object the Hasiddic way of life?
Because 1. It was after the shabbatai tzvi era and they thought it may turn into the same sort of thing.
2. They thought it was a way of “cheating” from doing mitzvot. Eg: Davening after when your meant to and it was believed to be just trying to get enjoyment out of doing mitzvot.
What was the Enlightenment and Emancipation?
Enlightenment: The enlightenment was period in time in which great new discoveries were made and people relied on reason and analysis rather than authority (1650s - 1780s).
Emancipation: Were the laws that finally enabled the jews to have full rights and the same privileges to everyone else. All the jews were also granted education.
Why did people follow Hassidut
Because it was an enjoyable and meaningful way of experiencing Judaism.
What was Napoleon’s relationship with the Jews like?
Sent very mixed messages towards the jews, on one hand comfortably let them into his land to help benefit the agricultural land but then also tried to assimilate them by getting all jewish boys from the age of 9-26 join the national armies trying to assimilate them. He also saw them as a political bonus and used them to gain further power.
What was the Declaration of the Rights of man?
The physical declaration of all the rights people had. It enabled jews to start experiencing the same privileges as everyone else. It was written at the time of the Russian revolution.
What was the Von Dohm Letter?
The letter was written by Christian Wilhelm von Dohm in order to grant the Jews full emancipation.
What were the effects of the emancipation and enlightenment on the life of the Jews in Europe.
Before emancipation jews were confined to little parts of European countries and now they were allowed to live in the major cities. A lot emigrated to countries offering better social and economic opportunities, many became active politicly and some jews joined revolutionary movements such as socialism and Zionism.
