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The Baal Shem Tov: Difference between revisions
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Prior to revealing himself as a ''tzaddik'', the Baal Shem Tov worked as a teacher's assistant and his job was to walk the children from their homes to the ''cheder''. In the course of these walks, the Besht educated the children on spiritual concepts, in particular, the concept of responding ''amen'' when appropriate. Additionally, he protected them from any danger on the way to school, such as dogs. | Prior to revealing himself as a ''tzaddik'', the Baal Shem Tov worked as a teacher's assistant and his job was to walk the children from their homes to the ''cheder''. In the course of these walks, the Besht educated the children on spiritual concepts, in particular, the concept of responding ''amen'' when appropriate. Additionally, he protected them from any danger on the way to school, such as dogs. | ||
The Besht took on this work with joy and endless love, so much so that in later years he told his best students that "those were the happiest days of his life." His student, the Maggid of Mezritch, reflected: "If only people would kiss the ''Sefer Torah''<ref>''Sefer Torah'' (Hebrew: Torah scroll)</ref> with the same amount of love with which the Baal Shem Tov kissed the children when he walked them to ''cheder'' when he was a teacher's assistant." | The Besht took on this work with joy and endless love, so much so that in later years he told his best students that "those were the happiest days of his life." His student, the Maggid of Mezritch, reflected: "If only people would kiss the ''Sefer Torah''<ref>''Sefer Torah'' (Hebrew: "Torah scroll")</ref> with the same amount of love with which the Baal Shem Tov kissed the children when he walked them to ''cheder'' when he was a teacher's assistant." | ||
At age 18, in 1716 (5746), the Besht proposed a new course of action to his friends from the fellowship of hidden mystics: to go from village to village and ensure each one had a teacher for the local children. In villages lacking a teacher, the hidden mystics would serve as teachers. During that period, the Besht also served as a teacher. | At age 18, in 1716 (5746), the Besht proposed a new course of action to his friends from the fellowship of hidden mystics: to go from village to village and ensure each one had a teacher for the local children. In villages lacking a teacher, the hidden mystics would serve as teachers. During that period, the Besht also served as a teacher. | ||
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=== Head of the fellowship of hidden mystics === | === Head of the fellowship of hidden mystics === | ||
At age 14, in 1712 (5742), the Baal Shem Tov was inducted into the fellowship of hidden mystics, which was then under the leadership of the ''Baal Shem''<ref>''Baal Shem'' (Hebrew: master of the name), a title applied to those who possess a mastery of the kabbalistic names of God and His angels.</ref> Rabbi Adam of Ropshitz. | At age 14, in 1712 (5742), the Baal Shem Tov was inducted into the fellowship of hidden mystics, which was then under the leadership of the ''Baal Shem''<ref>''Baal Shem'' (Hebrew: "master of the name"), a title applied to those who possess a mastery of the kabbalistic names of God and His angels.</ref> Rabbi Adam of Ropshitz. | ||
Before Rabbi Adam Baal Shem passed away, he was directed in a dream to pass on the "writings" in his possession to Israel, son of Eliezer from Okop. He sent his son to search for R' Israel and asked him to deliver the writings because they belonged to the root of his soul, and if he agreed to study with his son, even better. After a long search, the son found a house of study watchman named Israel, who was then 14 years old. He asked R' Israel to teach him and he agreed on the condition that they make it appear that he is the student. As a result of this studying, the Besht was matched with a woman from Okop and married. His wife passed away shortly after the wedding. | Before Rabbi Adam Baal Shem passed away, he was directed in a dream to pass on the "writings" in his possession to Israel, son of Eliezer from Okop. He sent his son to search for R' Israel and asked him to deliver the writings because they belonged to the root of his soul, and if he agreed to study with his son, even better. After a long search, the son found a house of study watchman named Israel, who was then 14 years old. He asked R' Israel to teach him and he agreed on the condition that they make it appear that he is the student. As a result of this studying, the Besht was matched with a woman from Okop and married. His wife passed away shortly after the wedding. | ||
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At age 18, the Baal Shem Tov was formally appointed as leader of the fellowship of hidden mystics. | At age 18, the Baal Shem Tov was formally appointed as leader of the fellowship of hidden mystics. | ||
On his 26th birthday, ''Achiya Hashiloni''<ref>''Achiya Hashiloni'', an ancient prophet. </ref> revealed himself to him and taught him Torah for 10 years. During this time, he disclosed the enlightenment found in ''nigleh''<ref>''nigleh'' (Hebrew: revealed), the revealed aspects of the Torah. </ref> and Kabbalah as he was taught in ''Gan Eden''<ref>''Gan Eden'' Garden of Eden.</ref>. On the Besht's 36th birthday, his teacher urged him to reveal himself. | On his 26th birthday, ''Achiya Hashiloni''<ref>''Achiya Hashiloni'', an ancient prophet. </ref> revealed himself to him and taught him Torah for 10 years. During this time, he disclosed the enlightenment found in ''nigleh''<ref>''nigleh'' (Hebrew: "revealed"), the revealed aspects of the Torah. </ref> and Kabbalah as he was taught in ''Gan Eden''<ref>''Gan Eden'' Garden of Eden.</ref>. On the Besht's 36th birthday, his teacher urged him to reveal himself. | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||