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The Baal Shem Tov: Difference between revisions
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'''Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov''', also known by the acronym '''Besht''', is considered the founder of the Chassidic movement and its philosophy, from which all Chassidic courts derived. Before revealing himself as a mystic leader, the Baal Shem Tov headed a secret | '''Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov''', also known by the acronym '''Besht''', is considered the founder of the Chassidic movement and its philosophy, from which all Chassidic courts derived. Before revealing himself as a mystic leader, the Baal Shem Tov headed a secret fellowship of hidden mystics. | ||
The Baal Shem Tov was born on August 21 1698 (18 Elul 5458). He passed away on May 21, 1760 (6 Sivan 5520). He is buried in Medzhybizh, in present-day Ukraine. | The Baal Shem Tov was born on August 21 1698 (18 Elul 5458). He passed away on May 21, 1760 (6 Sivan 5520). He is buried in Medzhybizh, in present-day Ukraine. | ||
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The Baal Shem Tov's parents, R' Eliezer and Sarah, were a barren couple who lived in a settlement near Okopy, in western Ukraine, and frequently hosted people in fulfillment of the mitzvah of ''[[hachnasat orchim]]''. | The Baal Shem Tov's parents, R' Eliezer and Sarah, were a barren couple who lived in a settlement near Okopy, in western Ukraine, and frequently hosted people in fulfillment of the mitzvah of ''[[hachnasat orchim]]''. | ||
'''Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov''', also known by the acronym '''Besht''', is considered the founder of the Chassidic movement and its philosophy, from which all Chassidic courts derived. Before revealing himself as a mystic leader, the Baal Shem Tov headed a secret | '''Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov''', also known by the acronym '''Besht''', is considered the founder of the Chassidic movement and its philosophy, from which all Chassidic courts derived. Before revealing himself as a mystic leader, the Baal Shem Tov headed a secret fellowship of hidden mystics. | ||
The Baal Shem Tov was born on August 21 1698 (18 Elul 5458). He passed away on May 21, 1760 (6 Sivan 5520). He is buried in Medzhybizh, in present-day Ukraine. | The Baal Shem Tov was born on August 21 1698 (18 Elul 5458). He passed away on May 21, 1760 (6 Sivan 5520). He is buried in Medzhybizh, in present-day Ukraine. | ||
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The townsfolk took care of the orphan for a few short years, after which he was left to fend for himself. | The townsfolk took care of the orphan for a few short years, after which he was left to fend for himself. | ||
In his youth, the Baal Shem Tov enjoyed spending time in the forest after ''cheder''<ref>'''Cheder''' (Hebrew: “room”) – A traditional Jewish religious elementary school.</ref>', reviewing his studies and enjoying nature. On one occasion, he encountered a hidden ''tzaddik'' (righteous man) engaged in devout prayer under a tree. The Baal Shem Tov observed the man and asked him to teach him Torah. After some time, the tzaddik introduced him to Rabbi Meir, the head of a secret | In his youth, the Baal Shem Tov enjoyed spending time in the forest after ''cheder''<ref>'''Cheder''' (Hebrew: “room”) – A traditional Jewish religious elementary school.</ref>', reviewing his studies and enjoying nature. On one occasion, he encountered a hidden ''tzaddik'' (righteous man) engaged in devout prayer under a tree. The Baal Shem Tov observed the man and asked him to teach him Torah. After some time, the tzaddik introduced him to Rabbi Meir, the head of a secret fellowship of hidden mystics. The Baal Shem Tov studied with Rabbi Meir for 4 years, gaining knowledge of the inner dimension of the Torah and Kabbalah. In later days, the Baal Shem Tov told his disciples that during those years with Rabbi Meir, he met Elijah the prophet. | ||
=== Marriage === | === Marriage === | ||
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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 <ref>''Sefer Torah'' (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 <ref>''Sefer Torah'' (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. | |||
=== 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 <ref>''Baal Shem'' (master of the name)</ref> Rabbi Adam of Ropshitz. | |||