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Chasidic Judaism 

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Question

1. How many Chasidic Jews are in the world and the United States?
2. Is Chasidic Judaism considered part of Orthodox Judaism?
3. Is the Chasidic population growing or shrinking?

Answer:

It is difficult to estimate the number of Chasidic Jews in any given place, because they refrain from allowing themselves to be counted; based on II Samuel 24:10. However, a rough estimate would say that they constitute approximately 4 percent of the total Jewish population. Chasidim are considered part of orthodox Judaism. They are increasing their numbers, being that they marry young, and have large families. Also, in the past 10-20 years there has been a movement of secular Jews into more observant circles, which has served to increase Chasidic numbers.

With blessings from Jerusalem,

Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Aish.com

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