Text Panel
In 1772, the Jewish community in Vilna declared war on Chassidism and its followers and also called on other communities to follow suit. The Vilna Gaon (1720-1797) was the chief opponent of Chassidism. he believed that it was a heretical movement that threatened the existence of Judaism. The persecution of the Chassidim continued for about three decades until gradually losing strength after the Gaon’s death. From the beginning of the 19th century, Chassidim and Mitnagdim lived side by side, although their cooperation was replete with tension, competition and controversy.
More Info
792
