Abstract

Dancing, here defined as “rhythmical movement of any part or all parts of the body in accordance with some scheme of individual or concerted action”, is an universal human activity. The focus of this article is religious dance of ceremonial character in the context of Hasidism. Hasidism is an outgoing movement bearing strong characteristics of Jewish mysticism, kabbalah. Hasidism made ideas traditionally emphasized within kabbalah more known and practiced in more mainstream strands of Judaism. The core of the religious experience, according to Hasidic thought, is union with God.