[Avodah] Why Chassidut

[Ben Waxman via Avodah]

 From Rav Yehoshua Shapira (my quick translation)

The idea that Chassidut’s positive atmosphere isn’t obligatory is a 
serious mistake. Not only is it obligatory, but it brings with it more 
obligations. Without emphasis on the Mitzvot of ahava and yirah, simcha 
and deveikut (which are the soul of the 613 mitzvot) the mitzvot remain 
external actions, technical, something which doesn’t affect or uplift 
the heart and soul.

Those doreitta mitzvot, which are the pinimiot of all mitzvoth, demand 
from a person and from us to give their entire being when doing a 
mitzvah. . . .. In the performance of mitzvoth, God wants our hearts. 
Therefore, Chassidut definitely demands deep dedication.