Editing The Baal Shem Tov (section)

=== Education ===

The Baal Shem Tov was orphaned at the age of 5. Before his death, R' Eliezer told him: "Son, do not fear anyone but G-d Himself, and love every Jew with all your heart no matter who he is and what he does." The Baal Shem Tov internalized the message and lived by it.

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'' <ref>''tzaddik'' (Hebrew: righteous man)</ref> 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.