Devekut
It may refer to a deep, trance-like meditative state attained during Jewish prayer, Torah study, or when performing the 613 commandments.
In religious Judaism and in academia, "Dvequt" refers most commonly to the philosophical, mystical and Hasidic understanding of "Devequt" as "cleaving" or "attaching oneself" to God in all areas of life.
Devakuth is the highest form of any love, because it is a humble holding back of oneself from the fires of God, while dancing as close as possible to the flames.
[citation needed] The early Hasidic movement around the Baal Shem Tov developed from elite esoteric mystical circles of pneumatics,[1] sometimes connected in practical fellowship.
[2] This was the first time that Jewish mysticism, embodied in the elite esoteric deveikut of the Tzadik, was combined with practical, popular social doctrine and movement.
[3] In this, as in the different Polish Peshischa-Kotzk school that stressed personal autonomy, the main role of the Tzadik was as teacher in Habad, or mentor in Peshischa.
The most extreme form of Mainstream Tzadikism, sometimes opposed by other Hasidic leaders, was embodied in "Wonder-working" Rebbes, for whom Divine channelling of blessing through theurgic practice became central, at the expense of Torah teaching.
Rather, as the Baal Shem Tov taught, even perfectly righteous Tzadikim need to return to God, in the higher Teshuvah of continual ascent in holiness.
The Tetragrammaton essential Divine name has two letters "hei", the second one corresponding to the lower revealed levels of the Four Worlds in Kabbalah, and the first one corresponding to the higher concealed realms.
This was at a time after the 17th century Khmelnytsky Uprising had devastated Jewish communities in Ukraine, and a gap had evolved between the centres of Talmudic scholarship and the unlettered masses.
With the traditional preeminence in Rabbinic Judaism on Torah study, it was perceived that the unlettered masses, though not at fault, were spiritually inferior.
In this arena, the Baal Shem Tov's mysticism taught that the sincere common folk could be closer to God than a scholar who has self-pride in his accomplishments.
The legendary tales about him, later copied in Shivchei HaBesht and other hagiographic compilations describe how much he cherished the sincere prayers of the simple, artless folk.
In perhaps the most characteristic Hasidic story, the Baal Shem Tov's conduct instructed his new mystical teaching and boundless delight in the unlettered deveikut of the simple folk: The saintly prayers of the Baal Shem Tov and his close circle were unable to lift a harsh Heavenly decree they perceived one Rosh Hashanah (New Year).
Today, the more Jews who become involved in prayer, the more parts will be built for the "Temple", until the Divine Presence will be revealed once again"Devekut" will be direct real revelation of good jewish intention to do Mitzvot and this should be unic true method to have miracle and manifestation of God.
Followers customarily gather around on Jewish holidays to sing in groups, receive and give spiritual inspiration, and celebrate brotherly camaraderie.
Hasidic custom, based on a practice of the Baal Shem Tov, adapted secular anthems, marches and folk songs, ascribing to them a new spiritual interpretation.
Hasidism arose at a time when advanced Talmudic study was seen as the supreme Jewish activity, yet was out of reach of the unlettered masses.
In the profound dimension of Hasidic philosophical interpretation of Kabbalah, the mitzvot are described as the metaphorical "limbs of the King" (God) and an embrace of the Divine essence expressed within the Will of the commandments.
In one story, he prepares himself to ritually slaughter a chicken according to the halachic laws of shechita: As he recited the blessing prior to the act, he dwelt on the holy commandment he was about to perform.
