Hasidism: Its Thought and Theology

The goal of this article is to present the theological ideas of the Hasidic movement as found in the works of its founders. It delves into the kabbalistic roots of Hasidism from the sixteenth century and explains its place in the world of Kabbalah, as well as its unique innovative ideas. There is some comparison with eighteenth-century Lithuanian kabbalists, demonstrating both agreement and dissent as well as their relationship to Lurianic Kabbalah. There is also discussion on some of the main ideas associated with Hasidic thought, as well as an explanation of the connection between the Hasidic movement and Hasidic thought. In addition, there is a clarification of the relationship between the thinking of the Baal Shem Tov, considered the founder of eighteenth-century Hasidism, and Hasidic thought.