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The Baal Shem Tov: Difference between revisions
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Prior to revealing himself as a ''tzaddik'', the Baal Shem Tov worked as a teacher's assistant and his job was to walk the children from their homes to the ''cheder''. In the course of these walks, the Besht educated the children on spiritual concepts, in particular, the concept of responding ''amen'' when appropriate. Additionally, he protected them from any danger on the way to school, such as dogs. | Prior to revealing himself as a ''tzaddik'', the Baal Shem Tov worked as a teacher's assistant and his job was to walk the children from their homes to the ''cheder''. In the course of these walks, the Besht educated the children on spiritual concepts, in particular, the concept of responding ''amen'' when appropriate. Additionally, he protected them from any danger on the way to school, such as dogs. | ||
The Besht took on this work with joy and endless love, so much so that in later years he told his best students that "those were the happiest days of his life." His student, the Maggid of Mezritch, reflected: "If only people would kiss the <ref>''Sefer Torah'' (Torah scroll)</ref> with the same amount of love with which the Baal Shem Tov kissed the children when he walked them to ''cheder'' when he was a teacher's assistant." | The Besht took on this work with joy and endless love, so much so that in later years he told his best students that "those were the happiest days of his life." His student, the Maggid of Mezritch, reflected: "If only people would kiss the ''Sefer Torah''<ref>''Sefer Torah'' (Hebrew: Torah scroll)</ref> with the same amount of love with which the Baal Shem Tov kissed the children when he walked them to ''cheder'' when he was a teacher's assistant." | ||
At age 18, in 1716 (5746), the Besht proposed a new course of action to his friends from the fellowship of hidden mystics: to go from village to village and ensure each one had a teacher for the local children. In villages lacking a teacher, the hidden mystics would serve as teachers. During that period, the Besht also served as a teacher. | At age 18, in 1716 (5746), the Besht proposed a new course of action to his friends from the fellowship of hidden mystics: to go from village to village and ensure each one had a teacher for the local children. In villages lacking a teacher, the hidden mystics would serve as teachers. During that period, the Besht also served as a teacher. | ||
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=== Head of the fellowship of hidden mystics === | === Head of the fellowship of hidden mystics === | ||
At age 14, in 1712 (5742), the Baal Shem Tov was inducted into the fellowship of hidden mystics, which was then under the leadership of the <ref>''Baal Shem'' (master of the name)</ref> Rabbi Adam of Ropshitz. | At age 14, in 1712 (5742), the Baal Shem Tov was inducted into the fellowship of hidden mystics, which was then under the leadership of the ''Baal Shem''<ref>''Baal Shem'' (Hebrew: master of the name) A title applied to those who possess a mastery of the kabbalistic names of God and His angels.</ref> Rabbi Adam of Ropshitz. | ||