Hasidut is a popular mystical mass movement in Judaism which was influenced by the ideas of the Kabbalah. Hasidut stresses the innate ability of every individual to achieve closeness to God through intense prayer and other ritual activities.

Beginning with a small group centered around the charismatic Rabbi known as the "Baal Shem Tov" ("Master of the Good Name") (c. 1700-1760), this trend went on to conquer most of the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe.  

The Hasidim, as they are known, are easily recognizable by their distinctive dress, and some of their leaders, known as "Rebbes" have become world famous, such as the late Rabbi Menahem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994) of  Lubavitch (Chabad), some of whose followers even revere him as the Messiah