Turov I. Early Hasidism: teaching and its socio-historical context

The thesis is devoted to the history of the early period of the Hasidic movement (spanning the late XVIII - to early XIX century) as well as to the analysis of the socio-historical context of its founders' teaching. In the regions where Hasidism was widespread, the Jewish communities were lead by leaders of a new type - tzadiks, which acquired unprecedented control over their followers. It was established in the thesis that the successfulness of Hasidic ideas was determined by two factors. The first one is that founders were able to combine the seemingly incongruous teachings of the various rabbinical groups which fought for power in the Jewish communities. The second one is that Hasidic sermons were simple and easy to understand for less educated Jews. The organization of the Jewish community was traditionally theocratic; thus, the elaboration of the aforementioned religious ideas was causing historically important readjustments in its social structure. The Hasidic teaching had been developing in certain ethno-cultural circumstances, correspondingly, the thesis contains a substantiation of the hypothesis that Christian ideas and spiritual practices influenced the founders of Hasidism. Note that according to Hasidic teaching, maintaining dialogue with representatives of other religions is the most substantial contribution possible to the Jews' worship to the God. The teaching was effectively implemented into practice, which is confirmed by various facts of Christians requesting help from tzadiks. The Hasidic teaching is a significant factor that was appreciably influencing the process of socio-historical evolution of the Jewish community in the late XVIII to early XIX century. The Hasidic religious doctrine had radically shifted the structure of authority in Jewish society as well as the principles by which it built communications with representatives of other cultures.