Editing The Baal Shem Tov (section)

== 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.

=== 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. 

A well-known parable related by the Baal Shem Tov is found in his grandson's book, ''HaDegel Machane Efraim''. It concerns a king who surrounded himself with seven fearsome walls, each one more fortified than the previous. Many attempted to scale or destroy the walls but none succeeded. Only the king's son, who knew his father had not abandoned him, dedicated his life to getting past all the walls. Once he had gotten past them, he realized it was all an illusion; there were no walls and nothing preventing anyone from approaching the king. The lesson is that when a Jew truly believes that G-d is close to him, all that is concealed will be revealed.

The Baal Shem Tov has a well-known saying that the concealment itself comes from the Almighty, as it says "Yet I will keep My countenance hidden." In any case, the punishment is that this very reality is hidden: the fact that the concealment is a concealment.


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