Hasidism

Joyful Jewish spiritual movement emphasizing emotional devotion, mystical experience, and finding God in everyday life through enthusiastic prayer and celebration. Founded in 18th-century Eastern Europe, Hasidism democratized Jewish mysticism by making spiritual ecstasy accessible to common people rather than scholarly elites alone. This tradition values heartfelt prayer over intellectual study, communal celebration over individual practice, and finding divine sparks in worldly activities. Modern Hasidic communities maintain traditional practices while offering profound teachings about joy, faith, and spiritual authenticity.