Jewish Thought. A history and overview of this virtues-based approach to Jewish ethics and character development. Famous for his sayings, stories and charisma, this Hasidic leader inspired a movement that is still vibrant today.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and bring you ads that might interest you. Join Our Newsletter Empower your Jewish discovery, daily. There is no way that this essay can really do proper justice to the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov.
Let us simply conclude that while there was no particular element in his teachings that could be viewed as new to Judaism, nevertheless his teachings revolutionized the Jewish world. At the time of his death the Chassidic movement had grown to approximately ten thousand followers and after his death it grew to include a significant portion of European Jewry.
The Baal Shem Tov felt a powerful love for the land of Israel and his entire life he wanted to immigrate there. Many times he attempted to do so, once even reaching Constantinople, but always something prevented him from fulfilling his dream. Despite his personal inability to move to the land of Israel , the Baal Shem Tov succeeded in inspiring many of his disciples and followers to do so.
The Baal Shem Tov did not write down his teachings, and today we only know them through the writings of his disciples. Together these works contain literally hundreds of direct quotes from the Baal Shem Tov. In , about a year before the Baal Shem Tov passed away, there was an incident that illustrated his immense love for his fellow Jew. At that time there was a heretical sect led by a man named Jacob Frank.
These Frankists had begun agitating amongst the Christian authorities against the Jews with specific emphasis against the Talmud. In a previous "debate" in , the Frankists had succeeded in causing the Talmud to be burnt in Lvov. The bishop of Lemberg decreed that a debate should be held between the Jews and the Frankists.
The Baal Shem Tov was a member of the three man delegation that represented the Jews. They were successful in averting this evil decree, and the Talmud was not burnt. At the same time however, the defeated Frankists were then forced to convert to Christianity. While most of the Jewish leaders were happy at the downfall of these evil men, the Baal Shem Tov was not.
He said. Just this morning, he was unanimously elected chairman of the charity committee. Hearing this story, Avigdor hurried to the synagogue and found Mr. Tzaddok busy perusing the many requests for financial assistance. He handed Mr. Tzaddok the letter. Together they read the words of the Baal Shem Tov, penned 16 years earlier:. The man who brought this letter is named Avigdor.
He was once very wealthy, but is now very poor. He has paid for his haughtiness. Since just this morning you were elected chairman of the charity committee, I request that you do all you can to assist him, as he has a large family to support. He will once again become successful, and this time he will be more suited to success. In case you doubt my words, I give you the following sign: Your wife is expecting a baby, and today she will give birth to a boy.
Your wife just had a baby boy! This time, he remained humble and was admired by all. He was strong of bone, thick of hide and obstinate of mind, and as all donkeys before him from the dawn of donkey history, he was born into the service of a human master. His master placed heavy loads on his back — goods and produce to take to the marketplace. But the donkey just stood there, munching grass.
Beat him with your whip. Talismans, Amulets and Manuscripts Many manuscripts, talismans, and amulets from different periods deal with the Besht and his teachings. Niggun Shalosh Babot Recording of a melody of devotion, Click to listen. Karev Yom Recording of a melody attributed to the Besht Click to listen. These subjects may also interest you…. The Manuscripts of St. Catherine's Monastery. Hannah Senesh.
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