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| − | '''Hasidism''' is a [[Haredi]] (ultra-orthodox) branch of [[Orthodox Judaism]] founded in the late 18th century in Poland. There are many subdivisions, such as the Lubavitch Jews. Hasidic Jewish men are immediately recognizable by their long side curls, beards, [[fedora]]s, and black clothing. | + | '''Hasidism''' is a [[Haredi]] (ultra-orthodox) branch of [[Orthodox Judaism]] founded in the late 18th century in Poland. It is characterized by a dynasty of [[rabbi]]s ("Rebbe" in [[Yiddish]]) who have lead the specific Hasidic movement from their home region of Eastern Europe, as well as a strict observation of the [[Torah]] and [[Talmud]]. |
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| | + | There are many divisions which originate from Poland, Galicia (now divided between Poland and [[Ukraine]]), and [[Russia]], only differing slightly in some key ideological beliefs, but still keep all the characteristics of Hasidism. Some Hasidic dynasties include Chabad-Lubavitch, Zidichov, Tosh, Satmar, and Munkacs. |
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| | + | Hasidic Jewish men are immediately recognizable by their long side curls, beards, [[fedora]]s, and black clothing. They also have large families, which also partly account for the fast growth of [[Orthodox Judaism]] in [[America]]. Most Hasidic Jews live in [[New York City]], in the Crown Heights neighborhood of [[Brooklyn]], and in neighboring towns like Monsey and Kiryas Joel, an almost-entirely Hasidic Jewish village. There are also Hasidic populations in other major American cities. Outside of America, most Hasidic Jews live in [[Jerusalem]]. |
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| | + | Their main language is [[Yiddish]], though in America they speak [[English language|English]] as well. In [[Israel]], they speak [[Hebrew]] as their everyday language, though some Hasidim oppose the use of Hebrew as an everyday language and speak Yiddish instead. |
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| | + | ==External Links== |
| | + | [http://www.chabad.org/ Chabad-Lubavitch Home Page] |
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| | [[Category: Judaism]] | | [[Category: Judaism]] |