The disciple of the Baal Shem Tov and the teacher of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Maggid strengthed the Chassidism of his master, anchoring it firmly in Jewish thought and practice
“Know that by the action you have taken,” said the Maggid, “you have forfeited your head . . . But this you have achieved: from now on, whenever there will be a conflict between the chassidim and their opponents, the chassidim will prevail . . .”