Editing Dov Ber of Mezeritch (section)

==Opposition of the rabbis==
Hasidism spread rapidly as a result of Dov Ber's powerful personality, gaining footholds in [[Volhynia]], [[Lithuania]], and [[Ukraine]]. The dissolution of the "Four-Lands" synod in 1764 proved favorable to its spread. The local rabbis were annoyed by the growth of the movement, but could not easily do anything about it. The ''[[Vilna Gaon|Gaon of Vilna]]'' was the only rabbi whose reputation extended beyond the borders of Lithuania. When Hasidism appeared in [[Vilnius|Vilna]], the [[Vilna Gaon]] enacted the first major [[Herem (censure)|excommunication]] against Hasidism, which was issued on April 11, 1772. The Vilna Gaon believed the movement was antagonistic to Talmudic rabbinism and was suspicious that it was a remnant of the recent [[Sabbatai Zevi|Sabbatean]] movement. ''See'' [[Schisms among the Jews#Hasidim and Mitnagdim|Hasidim and Mitnagdim]].

The Maggid's pupils Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk]] and Rabbi [[Shneur Zalman of Liadi]] tried to visit the Vilna Gaon to bring about reconciliation, but the Vilna Gaon declined to meet them. Lubavitch legend has it that had the Gaon met with these two Rabbis, the [[Mashiach]] (Messiah) would have come.

The ban issued at Vilna drew the eyes of the world toward Hasidism. Rabbi Dov Ber ignored the opposition, but it is blamed in part for his death in [[Mezhirichi]] on December 15, 1772.<ref name=JE/>