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Learning & Values Kabbalah, Chassidism and Jewish Mysticism Chassidic Texts Tzava'at Harivash

Tzava'at Harivash Introduction

The Literary Origin of Tzava'at Harivash
By Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov; translated and annotated by J. Immanuel Schochet
Tzava’at Harivash is an anthology of teachings and instructions attributed to the Baal Shem Tov and his successor, R. Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezhirech. Tzava’at Harivash is one of the earliest Chassidic texts to be published.
Basic Concepts in Tzava'at Harivash
By Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov; translated and annotated by J. Immanuel Schochet
The central theme in Tzava’at Harivash, not surprisingly, is the ultimate of Chassidism’s religious values: deveikut, attachment or cleaving unto God. It implies constant communion with God, a vivid and overwhelming consciousness of the Omnipresent as the sole true reality.
Target of Opposition to Chassidism
By Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov; translated and annotated by J. Immanuel Schochet
Tzava’at Harivash is one of the early publications of Chassidism. It became a primary target in the attacks by the opponents to Chassidism. Their criticisms against Chassidic teachings refer specifically to Tzava'at Harivash and they had public burnings of the book.