The Baal Shem Tov: Difference between revisions

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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]]''.
-'''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.
+A guest once arrived close to Shabbat, dirty and dressed in bedraggled clothing. R' Eliezer greeted him joyfully, paying no heed to his attire and hosting him with great care. After Shabbat, the guest revealed that he was Elijah the Prophet, coming to test him in his commitment to hachnasat orchim. The couple passed the test, and in the merit of their hachnasat orchim, Sarah gave birth to their only child, a son.
-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.
 == Biography ==