"To keep up with the times". Jewish Museum opened an installation on the history of Hasidism and modern Hasidim

The Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center has opened an installation dedicated to the history and traditions of Hasidism. It became part of the permanent exhibition of the museum and supplemented the thematic hall about the shtetl - a Jewish shtetl.

The installation was presented by the Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar , President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia Alexander Boroda , as well as patrons of art Yehuda and Khaya-Tamar Davydov , with whose support the project was implemented.

Opening the installation, Berl Lazar noted that Hasidism plays an important role in the history and culture of both the Russian Empire and modern Russia. He explained what the main idea of this trend of orthodox Judaism is: “The answer lies within the word Hasid. "Hasid" - in Hebrew comes from the word kindness.

We came to this world to help other people, to do good, to do charity - this is the main idea of Hasidism. First of all, God does not need our knowledge and achievements, but our actions for other people. "

Berl Lazar expressed confidence that the Davydov family, which not only became a sponsor of the project, but also took an active part in shaping its content, pursued the goal of telling about the key idea of Hasidism to a wide range of people who have nothing to do with religion and Jewish tradition. “I am sure that museum visitors, having learned more about Hasidism, will decide to do good today more than they did yesterday,” Berl Lazar said.

He was joined by Yehuda Davydov, stressing that many years of experience in studying Hasidism affects his personal emotional state and actions.

“The founder of Chabad, one of the branches of Hasidism, said that we need to keep up with the times. Today, this means a continuous exchange of knowledge between people. I am sure that as people become more familiar with Hasidism, people will want to explore its writings and philosophy. Presenting this project to visitors, it is impossible not to notice that we are opening it in the month of adar - the month of joy. Now is the most favorable time for obtaining new knowledge and starting any undertakings, ”Davydov said.

Who are the Hasidim?

Hasidism (from the word Hasid, in Hebrew - righteous) is a religious trend that arose in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe in the 18th century and subsequently seriously determined the appearance of traditional Jewish society.

The Hasidim are distinguished by their strict adherence to commandments and customs, as well as an emotional approach to prayer. An important part of the Hasid’s life is communication with the Rebbe - a spiritual mentor, a charismatic leader of the community.

Hasidism created not only a specific approach to religion, but also a powerful culture that was reflected in the social organization of Jews, rituals and traditions, as well as in the art, literature, music and theater of Eastern Europe, the United States and Israel.

The core of the worldview

The installation in the Jewish Museum tells that the Hasidim are distinguished by a special view of their faith and life for religious people. It is based on the belief that one can comprehend God emotionally, through prayer, and even through everyday activities. This is facilitated by the rebbe - the spiritual head of the Hasidic movement, the “collective soul” of an entire generation. The Rebbe community is perceived as a person endowed with special abilities, the embodiment of a righteous person who is fully capable of realizing the ideals of religious service.

In this context, the Rebbe becomes an intermediary between his followers and God. Turning to the rabbi for advice, blessing and simply being in constant contact with him, the Hasid approaches God and can experience the religious experiences that the rabbi experiences during his ministry.

In the Hasidic community, the Rebbe’s court is a source of vitality, a center of communication and culture. At the same time, the task of the Hasid, along with the continuous study of sacred texts, becomes constant communication within the community: maintaining connections, uniting with each other in prayer and in everyday life, joint implementation of customs.

Installation at the Jewish Museum

To make the conversation about Hasidism interesting and understandable even for unprepared visitors, the installation will narrate through interactive screens, videos, projections and cards with images and diagrams. She will dwell in detail on the history of the founder of Hasidism Baal Shem Tov, show the most important places for Hasidim on the map of the world, as well as their modern lifestyle, traditions and aspirations.