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The Baal Shem Tov: Difference between revisions
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'''Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov''', also known by the acronym '''Besht''', is considered the founder of Chassidic | '''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 group of hidden mystics. | ||
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. | 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. | ||
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=== Background === | === Background === | ||
The Baal Shem Tov's parents, R' Eliezer and Sarah, were a barren couple who lived in settlement near Okopy, in western Ukraine, and frequently hosted people in fulfillment of the mitzvah of ''[[hachnasat orchim]]''. | 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]]''. | ||
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.'' | 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.'' | ||
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The townsfolk took care of the orphan for a few short years, after which he was left to fend for himself. | 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 | 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'' (righteous man) 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 group 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. | ||
=== Marriage === | === Marriage === | ||