Tzadik – Wikipedia
Posted By admin on February 18, 2019
Tzadik ((Hebrew: [tsadik], "righteous [one]", also zadik, addq or sadiq; pl. tzadikim [tsadikim] adiqim) is a title in Judaism given to people considered righteous, such as Biblical figures and later spiritual masters. The root of the word adiq, is -d-q ( tsedek), which means "justice" or "righteousness". When applied to a righteous woman, the term is conjugated as tzadeikes/tzaddeket.
Tzadik is also the root of the word tzedakah ('charity', literally 'righteousness'). The term tzadik "righteous", and its associated meanings, developed in Rabbinic thought from its Talmudic contrast with hasid ("pious" honorific), to its exploration in ethical literature, and its esoteric spiritualisation in Kabbalah.
Since the late 17th century, in Hasidic Judaism, the institution of the mystical tzadik as a divine channel assumed central importance, combining popularization of (hands-on) Jewish mysticism with social movement for the first time.[1] Adapting former Kabbalistic theosophical terminology, Hasidic philosophy internalised mystical experience, emphasising devekut attachment to its Rebbe leadership, who embody and channel the Divine flow of blessing to the world.[2]
edeq in ancient Canaanite religion may have been an epithet of a god of the Jebusites.[3] The Hebrew word appears in the biblical names Melchizedek, Adonizedek, and Zadok, the high priest of David.
In classic Jewish thought, there are various definitions of a tzadik. According to Maimonides (based on Tractate Yevamot of the Babylonian Talmud 49b-50a): "One whose merit surpasses his iniquity is a tzadik".[4]
According to the Hasidic Tanya (based on passages in the Tanakh and the Talmud, and the tradition in Kabbalah), the true title of tzadik denotes a spiritual description of the soul. Its true meaning can only be applied to one who has completely sublimated their natural "animal" or "vital" soul inclinations into holiness, so that they experience only love and awe of God, without material temptations. Hence, a tzadik serves as a "vehicle" or "merkavah" [][5] to God and has no ego or self-consciousness. Note that a person cannot attain such a level, rather it is granted from on High (or born with, etc.).[6] This select level elevates the "Intermediate" person (beinoni) into one who never sins in thought, speech or action. Unlike the Tzadik, they only experience divine devekut (communion) during devoted moments of worship or study, while in mundane life they can be tempted by natural inclinations, but always choose to stay connected to holiness. In the Tanya[7] the difference between the former Talmudic-Maimonidean and latter Kabbalistic-Hasidic conceptions is raised. Since the "Torah has 70 facets" of interpretation, perhaps both conceptions are metaphysically true:
As for what is written in the Zohar III, p.231: He whose sins are few is classed as a "righteous man who suffers", this is the query of Rav Hamnuna to Elijah. But according to Elijah's answer, ibid., the explanation of a "righteous man who suffers" is as stated in Raaya Mehemna on Mishpatim, which is given above. (Distinguishing 2 levels of Tzadik: The "righteous who prospers"-literally "good to him" is interpreted to mean that the natural soul in him has become "his own-transformed to good". The "righteous who suffers"-literally "bad to him" is interpreted to mean that his natural soul still exists in his unconscious, but is nullified to his Divine soul, "the bad-is under him") And the Torah has seventy facets. (So the reason for the question)
The Talmud[8] says that at least 36 Tzadikim Nistarim (anonymous tzadikim) are living among us in all times; they are anonymous, and it is for their sake alone that the world is not destroyed. The Talmud and the Kabbalah offer various ideas about the nature and role of these 36 tzadikim. In Jewish folklore they are called "lamedvovniks", from the gematria numerical value for 36. In Hasidism, with its social institution of the Tzadik in the central role of the community, the 36 may not necessarily be unknown, therefore. However, a Hasidic aphorism describes a known Rebbe Tzadik as being among the 36, as their true greatness could be concealed beyond the perception of their devoted followers.
Hasidim adhere to the belief that there is a person born each generation with the potential to become Messiah, if the Jewish people warrant his coming. This candidate is known as the Tzadik Ha-Dor, meaning Tzaddik of the Generation.
While the tzadik status, according to its above definitions, is not necessarily related to the ability to perform or call upon miracles, the term tzadik is often used loosely by the Talmud to indicate those who have achieved especially outstanding piety and holiness. In this context, the tzadik's prayers are considered especially potent, as the Talmud states: "A tzadik decrees and the Holy One (blessed be He) fulfills." This is line with the Talmudic dictum: Rabban Gamliel the son of Rabbi Judah haNasi used to say: "Make His Will your own will, that He make your will as His Will."[9]
In some contexts, people refer specifically to the pious miracle worker as a tzadik. According to the Baal Shem Tov, it is said, this ability is attainable for every Jew. It is told that he stated that every Jew has the power to cross a river atop a handkerchief, through connecting with their soul (which is divine in essence).[citation needed] In Hasidism, the doctrine of "Practical Tzadikism", developed by Elimelech of Lizhensk, involved the Tzadik performing miracles to channel the Ayin-Yesh Divine blessing. In its most extreme version, Hasidic "wonder-workers", predominant in 19th century Poland, emphasised this conception, sometimes criticised by other Hasidic leaders as superficial. To Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, and his reaction against Popular Tzadikism, the greatest miracle was to examine oneself without self-delusion.
According to the first definition above, that a tzadik is "one whose merit surpasses [their] iniquity." According to the definition of the Tanya that a tzadik has no evil inclination, only a select few predestined to attain this level can attain it.
Based on the teachings of Isaac Luria, the Baal Shem Tov and the Chaim ibn Attar, Shneur Zalman of Liadi taught in the name of the Zohar that "He who breathed life into man, breathed from Himself." Therefore, one's soul comes from the essence of God.
According to kabbalah, a tzadiki, because they have completely nullified themselves and their desires to what God wants, their Godly soul (which like every Godly soul is part of God) is revealed within them more than other people who have not completely nullified themselves to God.This concept is based upon many Jewish sources. Here are some:
"..For all that is in Heaven and on Earth.."[19]"-For all (Yesod) joins the Heaven and the Earth"[20]
"The Tzadik is the foundation (Yesod) of the World"[21]
In the system of 10 Sephirot Divine emanations in Kabbalah, each of the 7 emotional expressions is related to an archetypal figure in the Hebrew Bible. The first emanated realm to emerge from God's potential Will in Creation is Atziluth, the World of "Emanation". As it is still nullified to Divinity, so not yet considered a self-aware existence, it is the realm where the 10 Sephirot attributes of God are revealed in their essence. In lower spiritual worlds the sephirot also shine, but only in successively lower degrees, concealed through successive contractions and veilings of the Divine vitality. Seven Biblical tzadikim, righteous figures are considered as embodiments of the emotional sephirot of Atzilut: Abraham-Kindness, Isaac-Restraint, Jacob-Mercy, Moses-Endurance, Aaron-Glory, Joseph-Foundation, David-Kingship. While all seven figures are considered supreme Tzadikim, in particular contexts, either Joseph as Yesod, and Moses as inclusive soul of the community, are identified especially as archetypes for the Tzadik in general.
In the sephirot, Chesed-Abraham, Gevurah-Isaac and Tiferet-Jacob are higher spiritual powers than Yesod-Joseph, which channels the higher powers to their fulfilment in Malchut action. However, traditionally in Judaism, Joseph is referred to with the quality of "Tzadik-Righteous". While the Patriarchs lived righteously as shepherds, Joseph remained holy in Egypt, surrounded by impurity, tested by Potiphar's wife, captive in prison, and then active as viceroy to Pharaoh. As the Heavenly sephirah of Yesod-"Foundation" channels spirituality to our physical realm, so in Kabbalah and the further development in Hasidic thought, its function also parallels the human role of the Tzadik in this world:
"..To love the Lord your God, to listen to His voice, and to cleave to Him.."[23]"Cleaving to a Torah scholar is as cleaving to the Divine Shechinah"[24]
The leaders of Israel over the masses stem from the intellect of Adam's soul[25]"In every generation there is a leader like Moses"
Continued here:
- Hasidic Tourist Attacked In Brooklyn In Possible Hate Crime [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Hasidic Jew Who Claimed To Be "Knockout Game" Victim Simply Fell Down [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Developer Lamm loses 2 challenges [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Hasidic Park No Longer Allowed To Be Sex-Segregated [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Hasidism - Home | Jewish Virtual Library [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Hasidic Village of Kiryas Joel Agrees To End Gender Segregation at Park [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- New York Hasidic Enclave To Desegregate Public Park After ACLU Settlement [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Zumba gets kosher makeover so Hasidic Jewish women can join fitness craze [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Dressing up Hasidic Making Fun? Ask the Rabbi Live with Rabbi Mintz - Video [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- What Is the Difference Between Haredi, Hasidic, and ... [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2014]
- Yismechu hashamayim (hasidic shabat song) - Video [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- Brooklyn Hasidic advertisement - Video [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- FROM MAN TO BRAND [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- My Orthodox exodus: When I left my community, I discovered myself [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2014]
- Hasidism - Jewish Virtual Library [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2014]
- John Turturro and Woody Allen share the laughs [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- John Turturro's Hasidic Rom-Com [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Bloomingburg eliminates building inspector job [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- Hasidic growth displaces 1000's of African/Black/Latino families in Spring Valley NY - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- Former Hasidic Jews reveal hidden world -- Russian subtitles - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- Five Arrested in December Assault on Gay Brooklynite [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2014]
- 4 Hasidic Jews Busted in Beating of Gay Black Man in Brooklyn [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2014]
- Five Hasidic Jews Arrested for Williamsburg Attack on Gay Man [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2014]
- Four Ultra-Orthodox Jews Arrested for Attacking Gay Man in Brooklyn [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2014]
- 5 Hasidic Men Indicted In Beating Of Man In Williamsburg [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2014]
- Cops Charge 5 Hasidic Jews In Brutal Assault Of Gay Black Man In New York [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2014]
- John Turturro gets out of character for his lead role in Fading Gigolo [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2014]
- 5 Orthodox Hasidic Jews Indicted In Vicious Attack Of Black Man In Williamsburg - Video [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2014]
- Hasidic Hayem's Payots (Becoming Ricardo Outtake) - Video [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2014]
- Videos: Abducted Children In Brooklyn Rescued By Hasidic Shomrim Patrol [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2014]
- Widow finds new life in Fading Gigolo [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2014]
- Hasidic man gets no jail for bleaching sex abuse activist [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2014]
- Employee of Brooklyn landlord demands rent by parking his car in front of building [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2014]
- Hasidic Man Gets Probation for Throwing Bleach at Sex Abuse Victims Advocate [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2014]
- Indianapolis Jewish Film Festival [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2014]
- 'Main Player' in Menachem Stark Murder Being Questioned by Police [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2014]
- Construction Worker Charged With Kidnapping and Murdering Brooklyn Landlord [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2014]
- Construction Worker Kendal Felix Charged in Menachem Stark Murder [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2014]
- Hasidic New Wave & Yakar Rhythms: From The Belly Of Abraham - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2014]
- Former NYPD cop arrested for anti-Semitic graffiti [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2014]
- Hasidism | Define Hasidism at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2014]
- Deborah Feldmans Hasidic Exodus [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2014]
- Hasid - Dictionary.com - Free Online English Dictionary [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2014]
- Hasidim Spark Backlash in NYC Exurbs That Entangles Cuomo [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2014]
- Canadian Memebers of Lev Tahor Hasidic Sect Live in Guatemala Shack [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2014]
- Pine Bush to ask about election zone legality [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2014]
- Secrets and lives of Hasidic women [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2014]
- Outrage as Kiryas Joel orders map of Hasidic landowners [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2014]
- Hasidic community in Hudson Valley hosts bonfire [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2014]
- Russia Court Demands 7 Hasidic Trove Books Back Sets 50K-a-Day Fine [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2014]
- Talking Ticks in the Hasidic Catskills [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2014]
- Moshe Knoll: A Simcha in Bacau (Hasidic Melody #2) - Video [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2014]
- Hasidic development allowed to continue, says state court [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2014]
- The Conflict Between the Hasidic and Immigrant Communities ... [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2014]
- Hasidic Jones August 10, 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2014]
- Hasidic Bride & Groom Dance Together At Their Wedding - Video [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2014]
- Trine [Enchanted Edition] Co-op, Ep. 5: "Hasidic, Like Gandhi" - Video [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2014]
- First Hasidic Jewish Officer to Join NYPD Promoted to Sergeant [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2014]
- Conversation With a Hasidic Man - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2014]
- "Hasidic New Wave" - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2014]
- Reconnecting the Secular Yiddishist and Hasidic Worlds - Video [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2014]
- First Hasidic Jewish NYPD Officer Joel Witriol Promoted To Sergeant - Video [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2014]
- Neuhaus: 'Perception of unfairness' in poll inspector move [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2014]
- Hasidic Jew History- The Lifestyle And History of Hassidism [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2014]
- Lazer and me - Hasidic blues - Video [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2014]
- Plathia - Classical Guitar Hasidic Instrumental Wedding Medley! - Video [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2014]
- Hasidic Culture Festival PROMO - Video [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2014]
- Hasidic Candidate Loses in New York Statewide Race [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2014]
- Shabbes koidesh (Holy Shabat) - Hasidic Hebrew song - Video [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2014]
- Uman Hasidic Pilgrims May Carry Ebola Virus, Ukraine Official Claims [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2014]
- Perplexing case of developer Lamm charging governmental bias [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2014]
- Hasidic Townhouse Foes Seek to Dissolve Catskills Village [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2014]
- Hasidic Pilgrims Fined $15K for Ukraine Tent City [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2014]
- San Sebastian Film Review: 'Felix and Meira' [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2014]
- Hasidic Family in Kiryas Joel Speaks After Historic Monroe Meeting - Video [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2014]
- Hasidic Guy and Showtime - Video [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2014]
- Matisyahu Brings Always Positive Message to Headliners Tonight [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2014]
- 'Felix and Meira' ('Felix et Meira'): San Sebastian Review [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- What the Day of Atonement Meant to One Hasidic Woman [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Photos Of 1990s Hasidic Life Exhibited At Brooklyn Library [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2014]
Comments