Baal Shem's revolution?

AP photo, Kevin Frayer

Baal Shem Tov�s revolution was to recognize the unique connection a simple Jew has with G-d. Alter Rebbe�s revolution was to lift up and inspire a simple Jew with a word of the new Torah. Paradoxically the hierarchical structure of dominant leadership was not appended but strengthened. Although we know about agricultural projects of the Mitteler Rebbe for example the educational system remained largely intact after the transition to Chasidism and to our knowledge no revolutionary educational steps were taken to elevate the populace �be poyel mamash� so to speak until Tomchey Tmimim came to mirror the Lithuanian Yehsivos (in it�s own way of course).

A man once told me that a sudden emphasis on �bittul" in Hasidic discourses at the time of RaSHaB was aimed at counteracting the devastating waves of the ideological competitors amongst communists and maskilim. That is to say: if we can�t understand anyway why bother with intellectual and spiritual dilemmas.

I write this at the backdrop of a reality in Chabad where creativity that signals a spiritual worth has been snuffed via canonization of Rebbe�s texts. I am particularly responding to the fact that many Lubavitcher pulpit Rabbis view their divine task in �giving over the sichos�, never venturing into an imaginative line. Modern methods of commucation make Lubavitch homogenous, obliterating beautiful regional traditions and individual character that was always present in the small towns of White Russia. This brings me to my original question. Has the task of Baal Shem Tov to infuse the masses with spiritual worth and value been promoted or sabotaged?