This branch of Judaism promotes and follows traditions that encourage joyfulness. “It [Hasidism] stressed joy in worship - Hasidic men dance in a circle for hours in festivals - and the study of mysticism, of seeking union with God,” (Brooklyn Daily Eagle). Hasidic Jews believe that they have an obligation to focusing on being in a state of joyfulness and that it will aid in being one with God. Moreover, Hasidic Judaism is also distinguished by their services in the synagogue. “The Hasidim also adopted a different prayerbook, so that their synagogue service differed somewhat from that of other Jews and had to be conducted separately,” (Jewish Virtual Library). This was a significant change to Hasidism a different prayer book meant that the Hasidim had values and beliefs that differed from other branches of Judaism. Lastly, Hasidic Judaism can also be distinguished by its values regarding devotion as well as the clothing that they wear.
“Today, Hasidim are differentiated from other Orthodox Jews by their devotion to a dynastic leader (referred to as a “Rebbe”), their wearing of distinctive clothing and a greater than average study of the inner aspects of the Torah,” (Jewish Virtual …show more content…
Firstly, Hasidic and Orthodox Judaism have the same belief of the Torah being the literal word of God. “They [Hasidim and Orthodox] believe that the Torah, the five books of Moses, is the literal word of God, and that carrying out this word is what gives meaning and purpose to life,” (PBS). This means that both Hasidic and Orthodox Judaism use the Torah and five books of Moses to determine traditional and moral behaviour, as well as their connection with God and all living beings. Moreover, Orthodox and Hasidic Judaism share similar values and practices such as the commandments in the mitzvot.
“The mitzvot include everything from giving charity to not mixing wool and linen; from keeping the kosher dietary laws, refraining from work on the Sabbath, and following the llama regulating sexual behaviour, to studying the Torah and loving and fearing God,” (PBS).
Orthodox and Hasidism both see the mitzvot as a significant Jewish tradition on how to meet the ethical standards of God. Finally, Hasidic and Orthodox Judaism are both known for not being egalitarian