He maintains that the masses can achieve greatness through their association with a Rebbe. The Rebbe is invested with an aura of holiness. He may be able to perform miracles. His followers are called Chasidim . The Chasidic movement is not a product of the establishment, the community of scholars.
Many scholars become highly suspicious.
They raise an alarm as Chasidic Jewry grows in number. The opponents of Chasidim are called Misnagdim and they launch a holy war, a war of words and social strife. Both sides have extremists. Leaders are denounced to the government and jailed. The Vilna Goan becomes involved.