Hasidism (Judaism)

This 18th and 19th century movement of non-exclusive, non-esoteric Judaic mysticism rejected formal ritual in favour of personal relationship between the individual human being or ego and the Thou of faith. The spiritual leader, or [zaddik]

, forms a relationship with his disciple and acts as his spiritual guide simply by being himself. Their respective roles have much in common with the psychotherapist and his patient. The emphasis is not on what to do but on how to do it; and on relationships with other people as the nearest approach to relationship with God, tempered with periods of solitude and silence. There is an inate reverence for life and joy in the everyday things of life.