Editing The Baal Shem Tov (section)

==== Early Life and Education ====
Rabbi Israel was born in the city of Tlust to his father R' Eliezer and mother Sarah on Monday, 18 Elul 5458 (the numerical value spells "Nachas," as his deeds brought satisfaction to both upper and lower worlds).

Rabbi Hillel of Paritch testified in the name of his teacher Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, who heard from his father the Meor Einayim, that on 18 Elul the Besht was born in his body, spirit, and soul. In body - through his birth. In his soul - through the revelation of his holy teacher to him. In his spirit - through his general revelation to the Jewish people.

The Baal Shem Tov was an only child and was orphaned at age five. Before his father passed away, he told him: "My son, fear nothing except Hashem Himself, and love every Jew deeply in your heart regardless of who they are or what they do." This served as a testament for him and he internalized this message and lived by it. After his parents' passing, the townspeople provided for his sustenance, but this did not last long.

In his childhood years, he would go almost daily after his studies with his melamed to the forest and walk among the trees and flourishing nature, where he found his peace and would review his learning, sometimes falling asleep there. Once while in the forest, he met one of the hidden tzaddikim who was standing near a tree immersed in fervent prayer. The Besht observed the man, and later asked him to teach him Torah. After a period of wandering and learning with that tzaddik, the tzaddik left him with one of the leaders of the hidden tzaddikim, Rabbi Meir, so that he could learn with him in an organized manner. Indeed, the Besht stayed in his home for 4 years during which he accumulated all his knowledge in nistar and Kabbalah. Later, the Besht related that during his time with his teacher Rabbi Meir, he met Eliyahu Hanavi.