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The Baal Shem Tov: Difference between revisions
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In the course of his travels, the Besht healed people with remedies as well as amulets. His amulets were written by the scribe Rabbi Alexander Ziskind, and later on, when demand increased, he was helped by Rabbi Tzvi Sofer, whose writings were of high value. Eventually, Rabbi Sofer remained as the sole scribe. | In the course of his travels, the Besht healed people with remedies as well as amulets. His amulets were written by the scribe Rabbi Alexander Ziskind, and later on, when demand increased, he was helped by Rabbi Tzvi Sofer, whose writings were of high value. Eventually, Rabbi Sofer remained as the sole scribe. | ||
In contrast to the ''Baalei Shem'' who preceded him, the Baal Shem Tov did not summon the | In contrast to the ''Baalei Shem'' who preceded him, the Baal Shem Tov did not summon the Divine names and the amulets he distributed did not contain the Divine names. For that reason, amongst others, his name differed from other ''Baalei Shem'', with the addition of the word ''Tov''<ref>''Tov'' (Hebrew: :good")</ref>. | ||
In the year 1740 (5500), the Baal Shem Tov moved to Medzhybizh, where admirers and ''chassidim''<ref>''Chassidim'' are followers or adherents.</ref> began to congregate around him, among them many great Torah scholars and well-known ''tzaddikim''. The Besht studied ''Gemarah'' with his students. The class was sharp and brilliant and also included the study of the ''Rambam,'' ''Rif'' and the rest of the commentators known as ''Rishonim,'' as applicable to the relevant ''Gemarah''. The Baal Shem Tov translated the words from Hebrew or Aramaic to Yiddish. | In the year 1740 (5500), the Baal Shem Tov moved to Medzhybizh, where admirers and ''chassidim''<ref>''Chassidim'' are followers or adherents.</ref> began to congregate around him, among them many great Torah scholars and well-known ''tzaddikim''. The Besht studied ''Gemarah'' with his students. The class was sharp and brilliant and also included the study of the ''Rambam,'' ''Rif'' and the rest of the commentators known as ''Rishonim,'' as applicable to the relevant ''Gemarah''. The Baal Shem Tov translated the words from Hebrew or Aramaic to Yiddish. | ||
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== Methodology == | |||
The Besht innovated and highlighted many points with his approach. The point of his ''chiddushim''<ref>''Chiddushim'' (Hebrew: "innovations")</ref> was to discover the source, the essence of every single thing. In other words, what is its purpose, its goal, its source, and where does it lead? In this manner, he discovered the essence of the world's creation: ''constant creation'' by the Almighty, blessed be He. So, too, he discovered what exactly is a Jew, a person who is united in purpose with ''atzmut ein sof'' (and since this factor is particularly visible in simple Jews, he drew more of them close), and he particularly encouraged pure ''Ahavat Israel'' for every jew from the essence of one's soul. In this manner, he also uncovered the substance of ''klipat nogah'' (see ''Tanya Chapter 6'') and more. | The Besht innovated and highlighted many points with his approach. The point of his ''chiddushim''<ref>''Chiddushim'' (Hebrew: "innovations")</ref> was to discover the source, the essence of every single thing. In other words, what is its purpose, its goal, its source, and where does it lead? In this manner, he discovered the essence of the world's creation: ''constant creation'' by the Almighty, blessed be He. So, too, he discovered what exactly is a Jew, a person who is united in purpose with ''atzmut ein sof'' (and since this factor is particularly visible in simple Jews, he drew more of them close), and he particularly encouraged pure ''Ahavat Israel'' for every jew from the essence of one's soul. In this manner, he also uncovered the substance of ''klipat nogah'' (see ''Tanya Chapter 6'') and more. | ||
=== Divine Providence === | |||
The Baal Shem Tov's approach to Divine Providence can be summarized in the well-known saying, "The Master of the world is found in every single movement." The Baal Shem Tov explains that even in a place where the ''concealment'' is great, the Master of the World is present. | |||
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