The Baal Shem Tov - Revision history

ZalmanR: /* Maps and Images */ linked to google maps

2025-07-08T22:22:20Z

Maps and Images: linked to google maps

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:22, 8 July 2025
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	==== Maps and Images ====		==== Maps and Images ====

	* The gravesite of the Baal Shem Tov on Google Maps: images, location.		* The gravesite of the Baal Shem Tov on Google Maps: images, [https://www.google.com/maps/place/%D7%A7%D7%91%D7%A8+%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%99+%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%9C+%D7%91%D7%A2%D7%9C+%D7%A9%D7%9D+%D7%98%D7%95%D7%91+%D7%96%D7%99%22%D7%A2%E2%80%AD/@49.4407415,27.40411,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0xf2db829af6c232c1?hl=iw location].
	* The ancient synagogue of the Besht on Google Maps: images, location		* The ancient synagogue of the Besht on Google Maps: images, [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Synahoha+Baal-Shem-Tova/@49.4371304,27.4093209,19z/data=!4m12!1m5!3m4!2zNDnCsDI2JzEzLjUiTiAyN8KwMjQnMzMuNyJF!8m2!3d49.4370833!4d27.4093611!3m5!1s0x472d8b6cf488a0e1:0x69054122cdeca1c7!8m2!3d49.4372442!4d27.4095261!16s%2Fg%2F11by_qk0jf?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D location]
	* The spring of the Baal Shem Tov on Google Maps: images, location		* The spring of the Baal Shem Tov on Google Maps: images, [https://www.google.com/maps/place/%D7%9E%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9F+%D7%94%D7%91%D7%A2%D7%9C+%D7%A9%D7%9D+%D7%98%D7%95%D7%91%E2%80%AD/@49.4265398,27.4358936,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x472d8ba25dc58a4b:0xa89aac6e353732f4!8m2!3d49.4265398!4d27.4358936!16s%2Fg%2F11bc96y1qc?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D location]
	* '''The Baal Shem Tov's approach to Ahavas Yisrael''', on the Torah Chabad for Yeshiva Students website		* '''The Baal Shem Tov's approach to Ahavas Yisrael''', on the Torah Chabad for Yeshiva Students website
	* The gravesite of the Baal Shem Tov Elul 5747 • Those Were the Days		* The gravesite of the Baal Shem Tov Elul 5747 • Those Were the Days

173.178.84.183: /* His Ascent to the Chamber of Moshiach */

2025-05-20T18:59:38Z

His Ascent to the Chamber of Moshiach

Raphaelwilmowsky: /* Images Attributed to the Baal Shem Tov */

2025-04-23T20:27:48Z

Images Attributed to the Baal Shem Tov

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 23 April 2025
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	* This is what we grew up with: Come tour the Beis Midrash of the Besht		* This is what we grew up with: Come tour the Beis Midrash of the Besht

			== References ==
	[[Category:Acharonim]]		[[Category:Acharonim]]
	[[he:הבעל שם טוב]]		[[he:הבעל שם טוב]]

Raphaelwilmowsky at 20:26, 23 April 2025

2025-04-23T20:26:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:26, 23 April 2025
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	In 5408, fifty years before the birth of the Baal Shem Tov, the Cossack rebellion against Polish nobles erupted, during which many pogroms were carried out against Jews, known as the Gezeiros Tach V'Tat. As a result of these pogroms and destruction of communities, the physical and spiritual state of the Jewish people was at its lowest. This period is called in Chassidut "fainting," like a person who has fainted and is in deep slumber.		In 5408, fifty years before the birth of the Baal Shem Tov, the Cossack rebellion against Polish nobles erupted, during which many pogroms were carried out against Jews, known as the Gezeiros Tach V'Tat. As a result of these pogroms and destruction of communities, the physical and spiritual state of the Jewish people was at its lowest. This period is called in Chassidut "fainting," like a person who has fainted and is in deep slumber.

	Rabbi Pinchas of Koritz said that the soul of the Baal Shem Tov descended to the world to awaken Jewish souls from their unconsciousness.		Rabbi Pinchas of Koritz said that the soul of the Baal Shem Tov descended to the world to awaken Jewish souls from their unconsciousness<ref>Sefer HaMaamarim 5663 Page 142</ref>.

	The [[The Rebbe]] explains that just as one calls an unconscious person by their private name to awaken them, since a person's name comes from the essence of their soul, when awakening the essence, the person also awakens. Similarly, before the revelation of the Baal Shem Tov, the Jewish people were in a state of 'unconsciousness' and Hashem sent down the soul of the Besht (whose name is Israel) to the world to awaken the essence of the soul in the people, thus awakening them from their unconsciousness.		The [[The Rebbe]] explains that just as one calls an unconscious person by their private name to awaken them, since a person's name comes from the essence of their soul, when awakening the essence, the person also awakens. Similarly, before the revelation of the Baal Shem Tov, the Jewish people were in a state of 'unconsciousness' and Hashem sent down the soul of the Besht (whose name is Israel) to the world to awaken the essence of the soul in the people, thus awakening them from their unconsciousness<ref>Likutei Sichos Vol. 2, Page 471</ref>.

	==== Background to His Birth ====		==== Background to His Birth ====
	His parents, Rabbi Eliezer and Rebbetzin Sarah were childless and lived in a settlement where they had abundant livelihood and were great practitioners of hachnosas orchim (hospitality).		His parents, Rabbi Eliezer and Rebbetzin Sarah were childless and lived in a settlement where they had abundant livelihood<ref>Story of the Maggid of Mezritch to the Alter Rebbe (Talk of the Rebbe Rayatz, First Night of Sukkot 5697, Section 5)</ref> and were great practitioners of hachnosas orchim (hospitality).

	Once, a guest arrived very late on Erev Shabbos in weekday clothes, yet Rabbi Eliezer welcomed and brought him close. According to another version, the guest arrived on Shabbos after the meal, which appeared as if he had traveled beyond the Shabbos boundary, but despite this, Rabbi Eliezer honored and hosted him while other guests rebuked Rabbi Eliezer, but he continued to honor the guest.		Once, a guest arrived very late on Erev Shabbos in weekday clothes, yet Rabbi Eliezer welcomed and brought him close. According to another version, the guest arrived on Shabbos after the meal, which appeared as if he had traveled beyond the Shabbos boundary, but despite this, Rabbi Eliezer honored and hosted him while other guests rebuked Rabbi Eliezer, but he continued to honor the guest.

M.robin at 10:07, 17 April 2025

2025-04-17T10:07:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:07, 17 April 2025
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	{{Infobox		{{Infobox
	\| name = Rabbi Yisroel ben Eliezer		\| name = Rabbi Yisroel ben Eliezer
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	==== Images Attributed to the Baal Shem Tov ====		==== Images Attributed to the Baal Shem Tov ====

	* Is this really a picture of the Baal Shem Tov? • The Rebbe's opinion		* Is this really a picture of the Baal Shem Tov? • The Rebbe's opinion
	* This is what we grew up with: Come tour the Beis Midrash of the Besht		* This is what we grew up with: Come tour the Beis Midrash of the Besht

			[[Category:Acharonim]]
			[[he:הבעל שם טוב]]

Raphaelwilmowsky: /* His Ascent to the Chamber of Moshiach */

2025-03-06T00:23:35Z

His Ascent to the Chamber of Moshiach

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:23, 5 March 2025
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	During this period, the Baal Shem Tov also planned to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael, which held an important and central place in his teachings, but his plan did not materialize.		During this period, the Baal Shem Tov also planned to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael, which held an important and central place in his teachings, but his plan did not materialize.
	[[File:ביכנ בעשט מזיבוז.jpg\|thumb]]		[[File:ביכנ בעשט מזיבוז.jpg\|thumb\|The Synagogue of the Baal Shem Tov in the Town of Mezhibuzh]]
	==== His Ascent to the Chamber of Moshiach ====		==== His Ascent to the Chamber of Moshiach ====
	In Rosh Hashanah of 5507, the Baal Shem Tov performed a soul ascension to the upper worlds, which he described at length in a letter known as the Igeret HaGeulah. During this ascension, Melech HaMoshiach told him that his coming depends on spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus. The Baal Shem Tov himself wrote the description of the ascension and the words of Melech HaMoshiach in a letter he sent to his brother-in-law R' Gershon of Kitov, saying:<blockquote>"On Rosh Hashanah 5507, I performed the soul ascension as you know, and I saw wonderful things in a vision that I had not seen since I gained understanding... I ascended level after level until I entered the chamber of Moshiach, where Moshiach learns Torah with all the Tanaim and tzaddikim, and also with the seven shepherds. There I saw tremendous joy... I asked Moshiach: When will the master come? And he answered me: By this you shall know - when your teachings become famous and are revealed to the world, and your wellsprings spread outward, what I have taught you and what you have achieved, and they too will be able to perform unifications and ascensions like you, then all the kelipos will be eliminated and it will be a time of favor and salvation. I was amazed at this and had great anguish about the length of time, when this would be possible."		In Rosh Hashanah of 5507, the Baal Shem Tov performed a soul ascension to the upper worlds, which he described at length in a letter known as the Igeret HaGeulah. During this ascension, Melech HaMoshiach told him that his coming depends on spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus. The Baal Shem Tov himself wrote the description of the ascension and the words of Melech HaMoshiach in a letter he sent to his brother-in-law R' Gershon of Kitov, saying:<blockquote>"On Rosh Hashanah 5507, I performed the soul ascension as you know, and I saw wonderful things in a vision that I had not seen since I gained understanding... I ascended level after level until I entered the chamber of Moshiach, where Moshiach learns Torah with all the Tanaim and tzaddikim, and also with the seven shepherds. There I saw tremendous joy... I asked Moshiach: When will the master come? And he answered me: By this you shall know - when your teachings become famous and are revealed to the world, and your wellsprings spread outward, what I have taught you and what you have achieved, and they too will be able to perform unifications and ascensions like you, then all the kelipos will be eliminated and it will be a time of favor and salvation. I was amazed at this and had great anguish about the length of time, when this would be possible."
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	According to the Baal Shem Tov's approach, even a leaf falling from a tree must involve Hashgacha Pratis. Since there is no reality that doesn't contain G-dly reality, therefore it's impossible for even a single action to occur from the beginning of creation until the end of its seven thousand years of existence - that doesn't involve Hashgacha Pratis.		According to the Baal Shem Tov's approach, even a leaf falling from a tree must involve Hashgacha Pratis. Since there is no reality that doesn't contain G-dly reality, therefore it's impossible for even a single action to occur from the beginning of creation until the end of its seven thousand years of existence - that doesn't involve Hashgacha Pratis.
	[[File:אוהל הבעל שם טוב.jpg\|thumb]]		[[File:אוהל הבעל שם טוב.jpg\|thumb\|The Ohel of the Baal Shem Tov in Mezhibuzh]]
	==== Drawing Close the Simple Jews ====		==== Drawing Close the Simple Jews ====
	On the 17th of Elul 5474, while the Baal Shem Tov was in the forest alone, Eliyahu Hanavi appeared to him for the first time. He revealed that in heaven there is more nachas ruach when a simple Jew blesses and thanks Hashem for his parnassah than from all the yichudim and kavanos that tzaddikim perform. From then on, the Baal Shem Tov's main approach was specifically drawing close and cherishing the simple Jews, who sometimes couldn't even read or write. He would encourage them to bless and thank Hashem, traveling from village to village and inquiring about people's wellbeing so they would express their gratitude to Hashem.		On the 17th of Elul 5474, while the Baal Shem Tov was in the forest alone, Eliyahu Hanavi appeared to him for the first time. He revealed that in heaven there is more nachas ruach when a simple Jew blesses and thanks Hashem for his parnassah than from all the yichudim and kavanos that tzaddikim perform. From then on, the Baal Shem Tov's main approach was specifically drawing close and cherishing the simple Jews, who sometimes couldn't even read or write. He would encourage them to bless and thank Hashem, traveling from village to village and inquiring about people's wellbeing so they would express their gratitude to Hashem.
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	== His Image ==		== His Image ==
	There is a widely circulated image attributed to the Baal Shem Tov, but there are many doubts about its authenticity. Some attribute it to a certain Shabtai. The Rebbe said this image belongs to a different Baal Shem who lived and worked in Deutschland (Germany), not to the Baal Shem Tov.		There is a widely circulated image attributed to the Baal Shem Tov, but there are many doubts about its authenticity. Some attribute it to a certain Shabtai. The Rebbe said this image belongs to a different Baal Shem who lived and worked in Deutschland (Germany), not to the Baal Shem Tov.
	[[File:לא הבעש''ט.jpg\|thumb]]		[[File:לא הבעש''ט.jpg\|thumb\|The picture which is mistakenly attributed to him, and some attribute it to Shabtai. See the link in the "External Links" category regarding the picture.]]
	There are several reasons why the Rebbe believed the image was not of the Baal Shem Tov. Besides professional research proving doubts about the image's authenticity, there are additional reasons. However, the main one is because the Frierdiker Rebbe said there is a kabbalah (tradition) that no image exists of the Baal Shem Tov.		There are several reasons why the Rebbe believed the image was not of the Baal Shem Tov. Besides professional research proving doubts about the image's authenticity, there are additional reasons. However, the main one is because the Frierdiker Rebbe said there is a kabbalah (tradition) that no image exists of the Baal Shem Tov.

Raphaelwilmowsky at 00:21, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T00:21:07Z

Show changes

Tachlis at 11:21, 27 February 2025

2025-02-27T11:21:55Z

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-[[File:The Kever of the Baal Shem Tov.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Kever of the Baal Shem Tov]]
+{{Infobox
-[[File:The Baal Shem Tov signature.png|250px|thumb|right|The Baal Shem Tov signature]]
+| name = Rabbi Yisroel ben Eliezer
 '''Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov''' (abbreviated as Besht) was initially the leader of hidden tzaddikim and later became the founder and creator of the Chassidic movement, from which all Chassidic courts developed and branched out.

Tachlis at 23:17, 25 February 2025

2025-02-25T23:17:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:17, 25 February 2025
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	[[File:The Kever of the Baal Shem Tov.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|~~left~~\|The Kever of the Baal Shem Tov]]		[[File:The Kever of the Baal Shem Tov.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|The Kever of the Baal Shem Tov]]
	[[File:The Baal Shem Tov signature.png\|250px\|thumb\|~~left~~\|The Baal Shem Tov signature]]		[[File:The Baal Shem Tov signature.png\|250px\|thumb\|right\|The Baal Shem Tov signature]]
	'''Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov''' (abbreviated as Besht) was initially the leader of hidden tzaddikim and later became the founder and creator of the Chassidic movement, from which all Chassidic courts developed and branched out.		'''Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov''' (abbreviated as Besht) was initially the leader of hidden tzaddikim and later became the founder and creator of the Chassidic movement, from which all Chassidic courts developed and branched out.

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	* Toldos Yaakov Yosef - Written by his talmid Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoye, printed in 5540		* Toldos Yaakov Yosef - Written by his talmid Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoye, printed in 5540
	* Tzavaas HaRivash - Contains teachings of the Baal Shem Tov as collected by Rabbi Yeshaya of Yanov and published anew in 5735 by Kehot, at the Rebbe's instruction		* [[Tzava'at HaRivash (Testament of the Baal Shem Tov)\|Tzavaas HaRivash]] - Contains teachings of the Baal Shem Tov as collected by Rabbi Yeshaya of Yanov and published anew in 5735 by Kehot, at the Rebbe's instruction
	* Kesser Shem Tov - Where Torah teachings were concentrated in Sefer Kesser Shem Tov, and today a comprehensive collection by topics has been made in the sefer "Baal Shem Tov" in 2 large volumes		* Kesser Shem Tov - Where Torah teachings were concentrated in Sefer Kesser Shem Tov, and today a comprehensive collection by topics has been made in the sefer "Baal Shem Tov" in 2 large volumes

Tachlis: /* His Students */

2025-02-18T09:13:04Z

His Students

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:13, 18 February 2025
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	The holy fellowship (Chevraya Kadisha) included:		The holy fellowship (Chevraya Kadisha) included:

	* His successor the Maggid of Mezritch		* His successor the [[Maggid of Mezritch]]
	* Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoye		* Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoye
	* Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov		* Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:59, 20 May 2025
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	[[File:ביכנ בעשט מזיבוז.jpg\|thumb\|The Synagogue of the Baal Shem Tov in the Town of Mezhibuzh]]		[[File:ביכנ בעשט מזיבוז.jpg\|thumb\|The Synagogue of the Baal Shem Tov in the Town of Mezhibuzh]]
	==== His Ascent to the Chamber of Moshiach ====		==== His Ascent to the Chamber of Moshiach ====
	In Rosh Hashanah of 5507, the Baal Shem Tov performed a soul ascension to the upper worlds, which he described at length in a letter known as the Igeret HaGeulah. During this ascension, Melech HaMoshiach told him that his coming depends on spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus. The Baal Shem Tov himself wrote the description of the ascension and the words of Melech HaMoshiach in a letter he sent to his brother-in-law R' Gershon of Kitov, saying:<blockquote>"On Rosh Hashanah 5507, I performed the soul ascension as you know, and I saw wonderful things in a vision that I had not seen since I gained understanding... I ascended level after level until I entered the chamber of Moshiach, where Moshiach learns Torah with all the Tanaim and tzaddikim, and also with the seven shepherds. There I saw tremendous joy... I asked Moshiach: When will the master come? And he answered me: By this you shall know - when your teachings become famous and are revealed to the world, and your wellsprings spread outward, what I have taught you and what you have achieved, and they too will be able to perform unifications and ascensions like you, then all the kelipos will be eliminated and it will be a time of favor and salvation. I was amazed at this and had great anguish about the length of time, when this would be possible."		In Rosh Hashanah of 5507, the Baal Shem Tov performed a soul ascension to the upper worlds, which he described at length in a letter known as the Igeret HaGeulah. During this ascension, [[Melech HaMashiach\|Melech HaMoshiach]] told him that his coming depends on spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus. The Baal Shem Tov himself wrote the description of the ascension and the words of Melech HaMoshiach in a letter he sent to his brother-in-law R' Gershon of Kitov, saying:<blockquote>"On Rosh Hashanah 5507, I performed the soul ascension as you know, and I saw wonderful things in a vision that I had not seen since I gained understanding... I ascended level after level until I entered the chamber of Moshiach, where Moshiach learns Torah with all the Tanaim and tzaddikim, and also with the seven shepherds. There I saw tremendous joy... I asked Moshiach: When will the master come? And he answered me: By this you shall know - when your teachings become famous and are revealed to the world, and your wellsprings spread outward, what I have taught you and what you have achieved, and they too will be able to perform unifications and ascensions like you, then all the kelipos will be eliminated and it will be a time of favor and salvation. I was amazed at this and had great anguish about the length of time, when this would be possible."

	— From the book 'Ben Porat Yosef' at its end, also printed at the beginning of 'Kesser Shem Tov'.</blockquote>During the Baal Shem Tov's anguish, his eyes shed tears.		— From the book 'Ben Porat Yosef' at its end, also printed at the beginning of 'Kesser Shem Tov'.</blockquote>During the Baal Shem Tov's anguish, his eyes shed tears.
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	There are many points that the Baal Shem Tov innovated and emphasized in his approach. The core of all innovations is to take everything and reveal its source, its essence. Meaning: what is its purpose, its goal, its source, and where does it lead. Thus he reveals what is the essence of the world's existence - continuous creation by Hashem. He also reveals exactly what a Jew is - an essence completely united with Atzmus Ein Sof (and since this aspect is more revealed in simple Jews specifically, he brought them closer) and he especially encouraged simple love for every Jew based on the essence of the neshamah. He also reveals the nature of kelipat nogah (see Tanya - Chapter 6), and more.		There are many points that the Baal Shem Tov innovated and emphasized in his approach. The core of all innovations is to take everything and reveal its source, its essence. Meaning: what is its purpose, its goal, its source, and where does it lead. Thus he reveals what is the essence of the world's existence - continuous creation by Hashem. He also reveals exactly what a Jew is - an essence completely united with Atzmus Ein Sof (and since this aspect is more revealed in simple Jews specifically, he brought them closer) and he especially encouraged simple love for every Jew based on the essence of the neshamah. He also reveals the nature of kelipat nogah (see Tanya - Chapter 6), and more.

	==== Hashgacha Pratis ====		==== [[Hashgacha Pratis - Divine Providence\|Hashgacha Pratis]] ====
	The Baal Shem Tov's approach to Hashgacha Pratis is summarized in the famous statement "in every movement, there is the Alufo Shel Olam." The Baal Shem Tov explains that even in what appears to be the greatest concealment - the five alefs in Pharaoh's boastful words "The enemy said: I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil" - even there are five alefs to show that behind these words of kelipah stands the One and Only - Alufo Shel Olam.		The Baal Shem Tov's approach to Hashgacha Pratis is summarized in the famous statement "in every movement, there is the Alufo Shel Olam." The Baal Shem Tov explains that even in what appears to be the greatest concealment - the five alefs in Pharaoh's boastful words "The enemy said: I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil" - even there are five alefs to show that behind these words of kelipah stands the One and Only - Alufo Shel Olam.

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	==== Stories of the Baal Shem Tov ====		==== Stories of the Baal Shem Tov ====
	Stories of the Baal Shem Tov were partially printed in Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov and dozens of other seforim, and many more are accepted from authoritative sources among the students of the Baal Shem Tov and their students. The mofsim that are accepted from the Baal Shem Tov, for which there exist precise testimonies, are beyond imagination, to the point where Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk writes in a letter "The Baal Shem Tov was unique - before him there was none like him and after him who will rise from the dust?"		Stories of the Baal Shem Tov were partially printed in Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov and dozens of other seforim, and many more are accepted from authoritative sources among the students of the Baal Shem Tov and their students. The mofsim that are accepted from the Baal Shem Tov, for which there exist precise testimonies, are beyond imagination, to the point where [[Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk\|Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk]] writes in a letter "The Baal Shem Tov was unique - before him there was none like him and after him who will rise from the dust?"

	The Baal Shem Tov testified about himself that the tremendous mofsim he performed were not through the use of holy names, but through simple emunah in the unity of the Creator and the nothingness of creation without the Creator's power. For example, the Baal Shem Tov crossed a river near the city of Mezhibuzh by spreading his handkerchief on the river and crossing, testifying that he crossed only with simple emunah.		The Baal Shem Tov testified about himself that the tremendous mofsim he performed were not through the use of holy names, but through simple [[emunah]] in the unity of the Creator and the nothingness of creation without the Creator's power. For example, the Baal Shem Tov crossed a river near the city of Mezhibuzh by spreading his handkerchief on the river and crossing, testifying that he crossed only with simple emunah.

	==== Kefitzat Haderech (Miraculous Journey) ====		==== Kefitzat Haderech (Miraculous Journey) ====