[Nachum]

When discussing a religion more than 3,000 years old, couldn't a 200 year old sect be called "new."

So are you suggesting that the Hassidic movement is not Judaism?

[vladimir998]

I think I pretty clearly suggested it was "new." A Jewish movement can be "new" and still be Jewish. Having said that, however, I should point out, that I think some of the cultural tendency of Hassidism are more particularly Hassidic than generally Jewish.

Have you forgotten that orthodox Jews opposed Hassidism? Ever hear of Elijah ben Shlomo Zalman? Isn't the only reason why the Hassidic Jews and Orthodox Jews get along today because of the threat against both from the Haskala movement at one time?