Hasidic Judaism or Hasidism (from Hebrew meaning “loving kindness”) emerged in Ukraine in the 17th century and then quickly spread to Romania, Hungary, Poland and Belarus. Baal Shem Tov, who lived in the Ukrainian town of Medzhybizh, is considered the founder of the religion and based his teachings on Caballah.
According to Hasidic philosophy, being emotional and positive, as well as singing and dancing, are more important than any scientific or other reasoning.
Hasids tend not to have a single teacher and are divided in many groups.
Sabbath starts at dusk on Fridays, is a day of rest for all.
Rabbi Nachman (April 4, 1772 – October 16, 1810) is one of the leading prophets. He was born in Bratslov, Ukraine, and his grave is in Uman. He was the great-grandson of Baal Shem Tov.
Nahman started to teach early in life and traveled through Ukraine and Europe, attracting followers. Nahman urged everyone to live with faith, simplicity and joy. He emphasized the importance of intellectual learning and taught followers to seek out their own and others’ good points to approach life in a state of continual happiness.
A child stands near a wall in Uman.
He became the founder of Bratslav Hasidism. Sensing his impending death in 1810, he walked to Uman, where the Haidamak Massacre of Umantook place in 1768, in which thousands of Jews were killed. He decided to die there to join the martyrs. According to his teachings, he promised eternal salvation to everyone who visits his grave during Jewish New Year.
Houses neighboring Rabbi Nachman’s grave are filled with visiting pilgrims every autumn.
