THE BAAL SHEM TOV

A Brief Biography of
Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov
The Founder of Chasidus

Translated and Compiled by

Za l m a n A ryeh H il s e n r a d

‫תועתק ו חו מס לאמטרנט‬
[Link]^
‫ע״י חיים תשס״ז‬

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5759 • 1999
 T he B aal S hem Tov
A Brief B[0 graphy

Copyright© 1967, 1999

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

W H O IS A CHOSID? ............................................................................................ 9
W H AT IS CHASIDUS? .......................................................................................... 9
A DARK AGE IN OUR HISTORY ..................................................................... 10
THE FALSE ‫־־‬MOSHIACH ’ .................................................................................. 10
A SECOND FALSE "MOSHIACH" ..................................................................... 11
THE BESHT: HERALD OF A NEW EPOCH .................................................. 11
THE MOST RADIANT SOUL IN HEAVEN ...................................................... 12
THE BESHTS FATHER: BOYHOOD YEARS .............................................. 13
RABBI ELIEZER'S PRAYER .................................................................................... 14
RABBI ELIEZER LEAVES THE CITY ................................................................. 15
THE FIRST TEST: RABBI ELIEZER IS SOLD IN TO SLAVERY ................. 16
THE SECOND TEST: WEALTH, HONOR AND A PRINCESS ........ 18
AGAIN RABBI ELIEZER PRAYS ................................................ 19
THE FINAL TEST ............................................................................................... 19
RABBI ELIEZER'S PRAYER IS A N S W E R E D ............................................ 21
A GRIM CONFLICT RAGES IN HEAVEN ........................... 21
THE IN FAN T BESHT ......................................... 23
SATAN'S INDICTM ENT ................................................................................... 24
RABBI ELIEZER'S GREAT SOUL DEPARTS THIS EXISTENCE:
HIS DYING WORDS .................................... 25
THE YOUNG BESHT ....................................................................................... 25
ENCOUNTER IN THE FOREST: THE N IS T O R ......................................... 26
THE TZADIKIM NISTARIM ...................................................................... 28
ELIYAHU HANOVEE REVEALS A SOURCE OF NACHAS TO G-D 29
THE THREE LOVES: THE BESHT'S CONTRIBUTION ........................ 30
THE NISTARIM FOCUS ON RELIGIOUS E D U C A T IO N ...................... 31
THE BESHT AS BAHELFER .......................................................................... 31
THE SWEETEST PERIOD IN THE BESHT'S LIFE ............................ 32
NISTARIM ELECT BESHT TO LEAD THEM .......................... 33
RABBI ADAM BAAL SHEM: THE KESUVIM .................... 33
THE YOUNG SHAMASH ..................................................................... 34
R. ADAM BAAL SHEM'S SON: THE SEARCH .................................... 35
THE REVELATION: THE KESUVIM REACH THEIR DESTINATION 38
THE BESHT’S DILEMMA ................................................................................. 39
BACK T O NATURE: CLOSER TO G-D ................................................... 40
THE BESHT LOSES HIS ONLY TW O FRIENDS ......................... ....... 41
THE BESHT LEAVES HIS BIRTHPLACE ................................................. 41
THE BESHT TAKES A SECOND WIFE ...................................................... 42
BACK TO NATURE AGAIN: FURTHER PREPARATION
FOR HIS LIFE’S W O R K ...................................................................... 42
A NEW ERA DAW NS ...................................................................................... 43
THE BESHT’S MISSION IS REVEALED TO HIM ................................. 43
CHASIDUS: TH E GREAT N EW LIGHT .................................................. 44
THE ESSENCE OF CHASIDUS ......................................... .......................... 44
W H EN MOSHIAOH W ILL COME ................................................................ 45
CHASIDUS BECOMES A W ORLD-WIDE MOVEMENT ....................... 45
THE BESHT S PA SSING . . . AND LEGACY ............................................. 45
IS CHASIDUS A COMPLETELY N EW A P P R O A C H ?........................... 46
THE BESHT'S CONTRIBUTIONS ................................................................... 46
CHASIDUS: SOME BASIC ELEMENTS ........................................................ 46
 ‫בס״ד‬
INTRODUCTION
The ethical teachings of the Torah are best summarized
in the Golden Rule (Lev.-Vayikra-19:18): “And thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself.” The Gemora (Shab. 31a) tells
us th a t a heathen once came before Hillel and said: “I agree
to become a proselyte on condition th at you teach me the
whole Torah while I stand on one foot.” Hillel's reply was:
“W hat is hateful to you, do not to your neighbor: th a t is the
whole Torah; the rest is commentary; go and learn it.”
It has been suggested th a t Hillel used the negative in­
stead of the Golden Rule itself because it would be too much
to expect a pagan to rise in one swoop from paganism to the
lofty concept of loving his neighbor as himself. Progress must
be gradual, as the Psalmist (34:15) advises: “Turn away from
evil and do good.”
This then is the core of the ethical teachings of the
Torah and its commentaries: to uproot the evil, the selfish,
and the negative traits in us; then, cleansed and purified, to
think, speak, and do only th at which will give nachas to
HaShem.
The sweet approach to our faith, which we call Chasi-
dus, puts great emphasis upon this process of shteigen . . . of
constantly striving to reach loftier spiritual heights.
This is a very difficult goal to achieve. R. Yisroel
Salanter, zl, is quoted as saying: “It is easier to learn through
the whole Gemora (another version: to become conversant
with the whole Gemora), than to uproot one bad character
tra it.”
Those who have delved into the sources of Chasidus and
the lives of the early great Chasidic Rebbes, know th at they
were the very personification of goodness and piety. They
divested themselves completely of the lusts and cravings
which are the hallmark of human frailties. They desired
nothing of this world except to study Torah and fulfill the
will of the Creator. Although just short of angels in their
service of G-d, they were the very essence of humility.
Chasidus may thus be defined as a way of life whose
goal is a never-ending quest to refine our thoughts, words,
and deeds so th at we may more perfectly fulfill the will of
HaShem.
In this strident age, when the so-called civilization and
culture of the world lie shattered, Chasidus may also be des­
cribed as an oasis in a strife-ridden, peace-parched world,
where a weary, confused humanity can find th at tranquility
and peace of mind which only a sense of nearness to G-d can
achieve.
Who and what was the founder of Chasidus? W hat
was there about him and about his teachings which attracted
— and continues to attract — both the greatest Torah scholars
and also the least learned of our people? To learn something
of the times of the Baal Shem Tov, of his parents, his birth,
upbringing, and early manhood . . . th at is the purpose of this
little book. It is offered in the fond hope th a t it will inspire
us to aspire to follow. . . and to shteig with the saintly men
we know as Chasidim. And if but one reader adopts but one
Chasidic t r a i t . . . th at will be my reward.

Zalman Aryeh Hilsenrad

Motzoi Shabbos Kodesh
Parshas Mishpotim
24 Shevat 5726
 WHO IS A CHOSID?
"Tzaddik HaShem b’chol dro- kings. . . sleep late or are busy with
chov Vchosid b’chol maasov,” (Te- pomp among their company, while
hillim 1 4 1 7 :‫) צ‬. David, King of I, at midnight, rise to give thanks
Israel, proclaims that HaShem is to th e e ...” etc. (Tehillim 119:62).
a Tzaddik in all H is ways and a In Pirkei Avos 2:11, where
Chosid in all His works. Com­ Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai char­
mentators have debated the signi­ acterizes Rabbi Yose Hakohen as
ficance of his prayer in Tehillim "Chosid,” Rabbenu Ovadya com­
[Link] "Guard my soul for I am ments: "He does 'lifnim meshu-
a Chosid. . . ” since he says in Te- ras hadin,’ i.e., more than the Law
hillim [Link] "For I am a worm requires.” Sforim say that the es­
and not a man.” Rashi and R’Dak sence of King David’s prayer was:
explain that he justifiably called "Since I am a Chosid and often
himself a Chosid because he did do more than the Law requires, I
not exercise his power as King fear that the Yetzer Hora will
to punish his enemies. Rashi also beguile me by urging that I should
cites the Gemora Berachos 4a, do a little bit less, at times, than
where Levi and R. Yitzchok offer the Law requires; so please, G-d,
different interpretations. "All the watch over me.”

WHAT IS CHASIDUS?
A Chosid is therefore one who enthusiasm, which is the indispen­
practices loving-kindness and does sable ingredient in all service to
more than the Law requires. Then HaShem, whether it be prayers, the
why do Chasidim call themselves performance of a Mitzva, or a good
Chasidim? Does this show humil­ deed of lovingkindness.
ity? It is interesting to note that The Gemora Megilah, 27b-28a,
the Baal Shem Tov, the founder cites a number of Rabbis who
of Chasidus, called his followers were asked by their disciples by
Rayim Ahuvim, i.e., loving friends. what virtue they reached a ripe
Their opponents, the early Misnag- old age. Here are some of their
dim, in derision, called them Cha­ answers: R. Eleazer b. Shammua:
sidim. The name fits; so it has "Never have I made a short cut
endured. Chasidus would infuse us through a Synagogue, nor have I
with hislahavus, the joyous, fervent stepped upon the heads of people”
10 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

(i.e., pushed the disciples aside in Chasidus to the fabric of our faith,
order to get to his place in the here is a gem of a thought which
House of Study). R. Perida: has come down to us in the name
"Never in my life have I allowed of the Baal Shem Tov; Since all of
anyone to be before me at the our people are G-d’s children, He
House of Study." R. Yehoshua b. wants us to be good to each other;
Korcha: "Never in my life have to live in peace with each other;
I gazed at the countenance of a to do deeds of lovingkindness to
wicked man.” R. Zera; "Never in each other at every possible mo-
my life have I been harsh with my menr. At times, a Jew may fulfill
household.” his whole life’s purpose by doing
It is curious that while none of not more than one thing for a
these are among the Positive Com­ fdlow-Jew. For this reason, G-d
mandments, yet their reward is that may take a soul from under His
greatest boon — long life. It is Heavenly Throne, and send it down
upon such refinements of character to earth to inhabit a body for
that Chasidus places great em­ seventy or eighty years, with the
phasis. sole objective of performing a
Before we delve into the signi­ single act of lovingkindness, either
ficant, scintillating contributions of material or spiritual.

A DARK AGE IN OUR HISTORY

The Baal Shem Tov was born rope, especially in Bohemia and
at a time when the Jewish people Germany, had undergone suffering
had lived through one of its darkest and privation following the Thirty
eras. Half a century of brutal mas- Years’ W ar (1618-1648), and
[Link], starting with the notorious following various invasions. What
Chmelnicki uprising in 1 6 4 8 had once been flourishing Jewish
which was followed by ruthless communities were no more. Great­
persecution, had left our people in ly reduced in numbers our people
the depths of desolation and des­ lived in dire poverty, materially
pair. Jews in other parts of Eu­ and spiritually.

THE FALSE “MOSHIACH”

In addition to these appalling they also experienced devastating
catastrophies which all but anni­ calamities from within. These mis­
hilated our people from without. fortunes provided the proper back-
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 11

ground for an opportunist, named he declared that the time of the

Shabsai Zvi, to proclaim himself Final Redemption had come.
the "Moshiach” who had come to Many of our people were delud-
"redeem” our people from Galus cd by this imposter, and joined him
and lead them to Eretz Yisroel. in large numbers. This whole move-
Originally from Turkey, which at menr, however, collapsed when
that time was close to Poland, he Shabsai Zvi was arrested by the
proclaimed that the successive dis­ Sultan, and to save his life, de-
asters visited upon our people con­ sorted our faith for Mohammed­
stituted the "Chevlai-MoshiatlT anism. The effect of this heart­
( the birth-pangs which will usher breaking experience upon our
in the era of Moshiach, of which deeply depressed people can easily
our Prophets had warned), and be imagined.

A SECOND FALSE “MOSHIACH’

It is sad but true that there re­ Baal Shem Tov was born, also
mained in Poland segments of our pnKlaimed himself "Moshiach,"
people who refused to believe that with the same tragic result. He and
Shabsai Zvi had abandoned our many of his followers eventually
faith. And years later, Yaakov converted to Catholicism, and be­
Frank, a Polish Jew, who was born came bitter enemies of t h e i r
in the same province where the former brethren.

THE BESHT: HERALD OF A NEW EPOCH

In this tragic era when the spirits us under the name of Chasidus.
of our people had sunk to the This sweet, joyous approach to our
lowest level of despondency, Ha- faith found its way quickly and
Shem dispatched the saintly soul easily into the hearts and minds of
of the Baal Shem Tov to heal their the broad masses of out anguished
broken spirits. His life heralded people. By his life and the lives
a new epoch in the history of our of his disciples, he showed us how
people, whom he lifted from the tti rebuild Jewish life on the time-
depths of dejection and spiritual tested sources of our strength:
degradation, and breathed a new dedicated Torah study, sincere pray­
life and a new spirit into their er and deeds of lovingkindness.
famished souls. His way of life and However, he placed special em­
his teachings have come down to phasis on joy — to serve G-d
14 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

full of joyous exultation at the deluded mortals! So greedy for

beauties of nature and more so gold and silver!. . . Why, when G-d
at their Creator, whom he loved causes the sun to shine, is not the
with all his heart and all his soul. world golden? And at night, when
Often, he would notice how He presents to us out of His trea­
eagerly people pursued worldly sure, the moon and the stars, is not
goods, and he would think: "Poor, the world full of silver?”

R A B B I E L IE Z E R ’S P R A Y E R
One day, as he turned his face to swooped up shrieking to Gabriel:
G-d in supplication, many mighty "Stop! Let go.”
voices stormed up to heaven with And again a fervent prayer
the cry: "Make way! Make way!" emanating from the depth of a
Angels soared towards the Throne pure heart was heard: "For Your
of Glory where many angelic in­ compassion. Master of the U ni­
tercessors were already conveying verse, do I hope! Our unfortunate
to G-d the earnest sincete ptayer people are completely forlorn,
of Rabbi Eliezer: "Master of the therefore do they pursue vanities.
Universe! Give me a son! A son, Grant me a son to show them the
who will, with his wisdom open light of Your Wisdom and to lead
the eyes of our confused people, them to the right path.”
that they may recognize and strive "Rabbi Eliezer pleads for that
for all that is good and noble. I radiant soul,” implored the good
cannot make them understand; let, angels. "He richly deserves that his
therefore, my son teach them to prayer be fulfilled.”
differentiate between go<xl and "Rabbi Eliezer, Rabbi Eliezer!”
evil.” mocked Satan. "What has he done
The Angel Gabriel stretched to deserve this great distinction?”
forth his hand to the Palace of The angels were again quiet, as
Light in order to take the hidden still another prayer rose on High
soul, whose light radiated a brilli­ from Rabbi Eliezer: "These poor
ance which rivaled the noonday little people, interested only in ac­
sun. The whole celestial world ex­ cumulating more and still more
ploded in rapturous exultation. gold! How they persecute and ex­
Suddenly the heavens jxirted — ploit each other! How they defile
and were enveloped in gloomy the holiness of their souls! May
darkness.. W ith one mighty surge it be Your will, dear G-d, that
of his great black wings, Satan my. son should open their hearts.
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 15

that they may recognize and serve his heart will become as hard as
You truly.” his gold ..
"Surely, this is a pure plea, The angels covered their faces
emanating from the pure heart of with their wings; they felt power­
a pure man,” interceded the good less against the malevolent Satanic
angels. barbs. And Gabriel was forced to
And, yet again, Satan jeered at release the great, radiant soul from
their words: "A pure heart! A his hand.
pure m an!... In what respect has
he proven himself more deserving When Rabbi Eliezer saw that
than others? They love genuine his prayers were still unfulfilled,
gold and silver, and he loves the and the years were fleeting, he
gold of the sun and the silver of was very sad. He and his wife
the moon.” were getting well-along in years,
and G-d had not yet presented him
"His is a good heart overflowing with a son who would radiate
with compassion,” pleaded the goodness. How crystal-clear it was
good angels. to him that our people were
Venomously, Satan persisted: following evil ways because there
"He lives among Jews. Let him was no one to lead them and light
dwell among non-Jews, and he will tl.e way to the good and kind
surely become as one of them. He life! He felt that he could no
does not lust for gold, because he longer live in the city with its
is poor; let him become rich and poor, deluded, unfortunate people.

RABBI ELIEZER LEAVES THE CITY

W ith a heart overflowing with winds and the waters of the rivers
sorrow and pain, he left the city join in this mighty symphony of
and took up his abode in the wood­ tribute to the Creator. And the
ed forest. There among the stately trees mutely bow, as each branch
trees he felt there was no envy or and leaf adds its silent prayers to
hatred; all nature enjoys G-d’s the Master of the Universe.
beautiful world and all chant Rabbi Eliezer gathered branches
praises to His glory. The birds with and constructed a hut as protection
their songs and the beasts with against the elements. His food con­
their growls all are really blessing sisted of the fullness of the earth
G-d for His bounty. Even the and of the trees; his drink — the
18 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

flight directly above Rabbi Eliezer's Eliezer ordered that the huge pliers
lead ship. Their twittering filled they had brought, be used to cut
the air with joyous song. But sud­ the wires which were under the
denly they stopped singing, swoop­ surface directly in front of them.
ed down to the lead ship, and When this was done, Rabbi Eliezer
flapped their wings vigorously a­ commanded the armada forward
gainst the faces of the oarsmen. once more. The fortress fell with­
"Stop!" shouted Rabbi Eliezer. out further resistance. As a trium­
"If we move further, our ships phant victor. Rabbi Eliezer return­
will encounter the wires and cap­ ed to the king, who repeatedly ex­
size.” pressed his amazement at Rabbi
The oarsmen obeyed, and Rabbi Eliezer’s achievement.

THE SECOND TEST:

WEALTH, HONOR, AND A PRINCESS
"You are truly a G-dly man!" offer, they urged him to accept it,
said the monarch, embracing and and to put off the wedding until
kissing him. He took the royal seal Rabbi Eliezer will have made good
from his finger, and said to Rabbi his promise. To this the king
Eliezer: "Take this; from now on, consented.
my kingly treasures will always be As soon as Rabbi Eliezer sailed
open to you, and I shall give you away, the birds of the garden pro­
my daughter’s hand in marriage." vided him with their delightful,
Rabbi Eliezer’s face turned white musical company. They also point­
at this offer. Trembling, he said: ed the way, and for seven days and
"Gracious King! Who and what nights he sailed until he reached
am I to deserve such great honor?” shore. As he stepped on dry land,
"There is no wiser nor finer the birds overhead flew off in a
man in my kingdom. Only you certain direction, and Rabbi Eliezer
are worthy to be my son-in-law.” followed until he came to a small
"Hear me out, I beg of you,” town. Suddenly the birds swooped
continued Rabbi Eliezer. "I will down towards one of the small
marry your daughter only after I houses. Rabbi Eliezer entered this
have conquered a second fortress house, where he found his dearly
without any help.” beloved wife engaged in reciting
When the king’s ministers and Techinos — the heartfelt prayers
counselors heard this astounding of supplication for women.
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 19

AGAIN RABBI ELIEZER PRAYS

And again there was a commo­ give up. He knew that the release
tion in heaven. Once again, angelic of this soul from its heavenly
intercessors brought up to Ha- abode, would create a man who
Shem, Rabbi Eliezer’s oft-repeated would seriously contest his rule
p l e a ; "Please, dear Father in over the hearts of men. So he came
heaven, give me a son!” storming up once more from the
nether world, just as Gabriel
As this pure prayer reached G-d,
stretched forth his hand towards
a spirit of compassion and exceed­
the Palace of Light, and shrifked;
ing grace permeated the celestial
"Stop! Don’t touch that soul! True,
world. Rabbi Eliezer had passed
Rabbi Eliezer passed a severt. test.
the test; he had lived among non-
But has he ever proven that he
Jews, yet remained steadfast to our
loves and can abide a Jew who has
faith; and he had refused riches,
thrown off the yoke of the King­
power, and the king’s daughter in
dom of Heaven? Let him pass this
marriage. It seemed that this time
truly severe test before we grant
nothing would prevent the Angel
him the boon of that most brilliant
Gabriel from taking the most bril­
of souls.”
liant soul in the heavenly Palace
The good angels covered their
of Light and favoring that genera­
faces. Once again they felt power­
tion with its powerful influence
less against Satan’s fiendish wiles.
for the G-dly life.
And so Rabbi Eliezer was subject­
But Satan was not yet ready to ed to this final test.

THE FINAL TEST

In the celestial world, Chasidim Heavenly Tribunal decided that

relate, there was a dispute between Eliyahu HaNovee was so saturated
Eliyahu HaNovee and Satan. Each with goodness and love of our
wished to give Rabbi Eliezer this people, that he might not carry
final test, which would determine out this assignment impartially.
if his love of our people extended For this test, Satan appeared dis­
even to those who had forsaken guised as a poor man. Carrying
G-d and His Torah. his bag and cane, in flagrant dese­
Satan was selected because the cration of the Sabbath, he walked
20 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

into Rabbi Eliezer's home on a mos 65b, in commenting on this

Shaibbos afternoon with a taunting­ Positive Commandment, states that
ly hearty "Gut Shabbos.” Although "just as one is commanded to say
his heart was heavy with sadness (rebuke) that which will be
at this poor man’s un-Jewish be­ obeyed, even so is one commanded
havior, Rabbi Eliezer did nor in not to say that which will not be
any manner show annoyance. In obeyed.” Rashi deduces this from
order not to embarrass his unex- the repetition in the Chumosh,
peered guest. Rabbi Eliezer acted "hocheach tocheach,” literally, "re­
as if he had not noticed anything buke shalt thou rebuke.” Accord­
unusual. Instead, he extended his ing to Rashi this implies that We
most gracious hospitality during should rebuke only where it will
the Seudah Shlishis (the third of be heeded. No rebuke, therefore,
the festive Sabbath meals), and should be addressed to one who is
the Melaveh Malkah ( the feast sure to ignore it.
marking the departure of the Sab­
bath Queen). From the "poor man’s” impudent
' Gut Shabbos” while openly dese­
He also personally provided a crating the Sabbath, Rabbi Eliezer
comfortable place for his guest for realized that he would have ‫נה‬
the night, and on the morrow, with choose between offering him bos-
every courtesy, escorted him on his pitality on his terms, or driving
way. As a final gesture of hospi­ him away. His great love of our
tality. Rabbi Eliezer gave the "poor people won him over to the deci­
man” a generous sum of money. sion to choose the former.
Not once did he rebuke him for
Now insofar as rebuking him
his desecration of the Holy Sab-
after he had fulfilled his duties as
bath...T hus did Rabbi Eliezer’s
abiding love of our people help a host and the poor man was about
him pass this final, and probably to leave, we must conclude that
from his insolent "Gut Shabbos”
most severe test.
Rabbi Eliezer felt that he was deal­
Parenthetically may I add for ing here with one who scoffs at
the benefit of those readers who Torah and Mitzvos. And it was
will wonder how Rabbi Eliezer this type of person whom the Sages
could remain silent in light of the of the Gemora had in mind when
commandment ( Vayikra, 19:17) they advised that we should not
"Thou shalt surely rebuke thy address any rebuke when it is
neighbor.” The Gemora in Yeba- sure to be ignored.
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 21

RABBI ELIEZER’S PRAYER IS ANSWERED

And once more Rabbi Eliezer’s had been hidden in its heavenly
oft-repeated plea ascended to hea­ abode since the creation of the
ven; "Dearest Father in Heaven! v/orld. H e clothed it with veins,
Give me a son who will bring flesh and bones and sent it down
Thy Light to ,^ur poor, deluded to our world.
people...” As this pure prayer
reached the Throne of Glory, Sa­
tan again came storming up to the Towards the end of that year.
upper world.■ He started to babble Rabbi Eliezer and his wife, who
furiously in protest, but nothing were then both close to one hun­
intelligible could be heard. Even dred years old, were blessed with
his fiendishly cunning mind failed a son, whom they named Yisroel.
to produce any rational objections And this is the son whose profound
for not granting Rabbi Eliezer’s knowledge of both the revealed
plea. Deeply humiliated, he im­ Torah and its mystic interpretation,
mediately plunged down into the whose extraordinary goodness and
nether world whence he came. piety, created and personified that
And the Angel Gabriel joyfully unique, sweet approach to our
stretched his hand into the Palace faith, which we know as Chasidus
of Light and to the accompaniment ... and which has proven to be a
of the celestial choir, at last drew Tower of Light to our people for
forth that most brilliant soul which over two centuries.

A GRIM CONFLICT RAGES IN HEAVEN

Chasidim tell of a great conflict caught up with him, he grabbed
which once raged in Heaven, and his sword and held on grimly. The
which pitted the nether against the Angel Gabriel came to Raphael's
upper world. The Angel of Death, assistance, and together they held
naked sword in hand, was flying the Angel of Death captive.
toward Rabbi Eliezer’s small house. "Let me go!” shouted the Angel
Suddenly, the heavens trembled, of Death. "I have an assignment
and alarmed the Angel Raphael, and must fulfill it."
v.'ho leaped from his accustomed When the Angel of Death real­
place, and abruptly took off after ized that he could not break away,
the Angel of Death. When he he emitted a thunderous roai.
22 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

which reached the nether world, "The hour has struck! The mo­
and which immediately summoned ment is come!” shrieked the Angel
the destroying angels carrying the of Death.
Book of Life and Death on their But the good angels would not
wings. yield, instead they pleaded; "The
''Open the Book for Raphael infant must have his mother so
and Gabriel!” screamed the Angel that she may nurse and bring him
of Death. up; otherwise, it may seriously
hamper his growth and develop­
As the Book opened to the flut­
ment. There is no irrevocable law
tering of their wings, the Angel
which decrees that an infant who
of Death again screamed; "Look!
needs his mother should become
It is written here: Chanah, daugh­
orphaned, especially as this child
ter of Reuven, is destined to live
is destined to enrich humanity
one hundred years, one hundred
with the G‫־‬d!y life."
twenty days, seventy hours, and
seventeen seconds. And now the Here Satan the wily, came up to
moment has come. Release me that the Tribunal and said; "G-d’s edict
I may fulfill the decree of my cannot be changed. To Chanah,
Creator!” daughter of Reuven, was entrusted
for her sojourn on earth, a soul
"Even if it is as you say, we will
which is a spark from G-d’s Throne
not release you.”
of Glory. The time has come for
Raphael held his sword while Its return.”
Gabriel held his mighty wings. The Realizing that they could gain
Angel of Death struggled furiously nothing by any further pleas be­
to break away, screaming ail the fore the Heavenly Tribunal, the
while: ”1 must obey the decree!” gotxi angels flew intt) Gan liden
As the two angels felt themselves and aroused the Tzaddikim whose
gradually growing faint, and on help they sought to save the life
the point of defeat, they summon­ of the Baal Shenn Tov’s mother.
ed him ‫ סס‬appear with them before The Patriarchs, Avrohom, Yitz-
the Heavenly Tribunal, before chok and Yaakov, accompanied the
which they pleaded; "The Baal angels back to the Heavenly
Shem Tov v/as just born. He is Tribunal.
destined to enlighten a world en­ "The Baal Shein Tov merits that
shrouded in darkness. And now years be added to his mother’s
this Angel of Death comes to rob life!" stated Raphael and Gabriel
him of his mother.” resolutely.
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 23

And Satan answered with guile but not for Yisroel," answered Ya-
"She has already been the benefac­ akov (who was also known as
tress of a great miracle; she bore Yisrtx;!). "Since my father lived
a son in her old age; this has de­ to be one hundred and eighty, why
pleted her merits to the vanishing were thirty-three years taken from
point.” my life? I hereby give three of
Thereupon, our Father Yaakov my years as a gift to the mother
stepped forward and said: "My of the Baal Shem Tov, as he will
father lived to one hundred and also be called Yisroel.”
eighty, and I only to one hundred Vanquished, Satan and the Angel
and forty-seven.’’ of Death disappeared into the
nether world. And the good angels,
"It was so decreed,” shrieked
amidst the joyous singing of the
Satan.
celestial choir, escorted the Patri­
"It was so decreed for Yaakov, archs back to Gan Eden.

THE INFANT BESHT

Chasidim relate that while still bet, the whole world seemed to
an infant, the Baal Shem Tov mani­ take note. And when his father
fested some of the unique charac­ wrote the letters Aleph, Bais for
teristics which were to be the hall­ rhe Baal Shem Tov, his eyes shone
mark of his mission — to bring like two diamonds, whose luster
our people ever closer to our gleamed far and wide. As these
Father in Heaven. rays reached our people, they seem­
ed to perceive suddenly that the
When he heard anyone studying
Torah is sweeter than honey; that
Torah, his face would glow in
helping and being kind to each
keenest delight. He gravitated to-
other leads to the only true happi­
v/ards the good people, and avoid­
ness and serenity ... and that in­
ed the evil and the false. An un­
dolence and evil deeds bring de­
pleasant event in town provoked
struction upon themselves and all
tears; but each time his mother
of humanity.
helped a poor man with food or
As this way of life dawned upon
money, he would laugh in sheer
our people, they abandoned the
joy.
purposeless vanities, and started a
When the day came for him to new life, one dedicated to deeds
begin learning the Hebrew alpha­ of loving kindness; to care for the
24 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

orphan, not only for his physical free loans; to establish Shuls and
needs, but also for his Torah Talmud Torahs... each day they
training; to help the needy with starched to do some gotxl deed.

SATAN’S INDICTMENT
And here Chasidim tell of a rnent in this and in the future
commotion in the Heavens. Satan, v/orld?”
with pious hypocrisy, feigned deep "But this fulfills the purpose of
concern for the welfare of hu­ creation,’’ answered the Good
manity. Approaching the Throne Angels. "If people will cease doing
of Glory, he exclaimed: "Master evil, this world will become g(X)d,
of the Universe! A great catas­ peaceful and serene.”
trophe threatens your children "Ah,” said Satan, pretending
through Rabbi Eliezer and his compassion. "But who will receive
son!” the reward for this heavenly state
At this the Good Angels laughed on earth? All this is due to the
heartily: "A catastrophe because of child Yisroel. Because of the rays
Rabbi Eliezer and his son? How v/hich emanate from his eyes
absurd! Because of him and his when his father teaches him Aleph
son, evil is at its lowest ebb. A Bais, people refrain from doing
sinful humanity has stopped sin­ evil. Therefore he and only he is
ning; they cleave to the Torah and entitled to all the reward. And as
follow its precepts.” for ail the other people, they merit
But Satan continued cunningly; neither punishment, nor reward.”
"Master of the Universe! You ere- The Good Angels felt helpless,
ated man and gave him the choice not knowing how to answer Satan’s
of two ways, the gocxl and the evil; v/ily arguments.
each chooses and will be rewarded "Rabbi Eliezer and his son de­
or punished accordingly in the serve death!” stormed Satan.
World-to-Come. N ow these rays At these words the upper world
emanating from Rabbi Eliezer and trembled. All the angelic inter­
his son grow ever more powerful. cessors congregated at the Throne
Our people see — as if for the of Glory pleading; "If the tzaddik
first time — the reward awaiting Rabbi Eliezer and his son should
the gtxxl, and the dire conse­ die, what will become of the joy
quences the evil. ■Who but an idiot and nachas which Yisroel is to
would do evil and incur punish- bring to the world?”
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 25

"In that case,” craftily countered longs for the delight of G-d’s
Satan, "let the child Yisroel grow Divine Presence,” answered Satan,
up without his father and we shall as the destroying angels gathered
see how great a tzaddik he will about to help his evil designs.
grow up to be.” As the heavenly intercessors had
no ready answer to this, a voice on
"Why should Rabbi Eliezer die
High suddenly proclaimed: "Make
now? What is his sin?”
way! The soul of the tzaddik Rabbi
"He is old enough, and his soul Eliezer will soon be here.”

RABBI ELIEZER’S GREAT SOUL

DEPARTS THIS EXISTENCE: HIS DYING WORDS
The voice on High reached of his life, "never fear anyone or
Rabbi Eliezer, and at that moment anything in this world... fear only
he noticed angels gathering around G -d... with all your heart and
him to escort his soul to Gan every fiber of your being, love each
Eden. Now he knew that the time and every one of our people...
had come to depart this existence regardless of who, what and where
... and that no plea or prayer could he is ... mark well and always re­
save him for this world until his member my words!”
son would grow to fulfill his great These words of his saintly father
destiny. became enshrined in his heart and
"My child,” said the old Gaon guided forever his life’s purpose.
and Tzaddik in the last moments

THE YOUNG BESHT

The good people of the town of and not without cause. For often
Okup remembered the tzaddik it was obvious that little Yisroel
Rabbi Eliezer and dealt kindly with was paying not the slightest atten­
his orpaned son. They paid his tion to his Rebbe.
tuition at the local Talmud Torah, "What in the world is that little
where his teacher marveled at his boy thinking about?” he would
progress. In a matter of days, he wonder.
learned to read and pray like an How could he have guessed that
adult. His progress in Chumosh little Yisroel perceived a great deal
and Gemora was equally amazing. more in the holy words of the
And yet his Rebbe complained — Torah than their literal translations
26 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

which his Rebbe was so earnestly quiet and serene. So he would often
trying to teach.? suddenly disappear from town for
Then there were occasions when days; just as suddenly, he would
Yisroel would suddenly burst into reappear and give no answer to
tears without any discernable cause. his Rebbe’s questions as to where
Here the Rebbe would feel deeply he had been.
aggrieved. And what did he do in the
"One would think that I mis­ forest.^ He would sit on the stuirp
treated him in some manner. Why, of a tree or on the grass and
I am extremely careful never to review the Torah he Itad studied.
touch him, in deference to the Then he would observe the trees,
memory of his saintly father and listen to the singing of the birds
also because he is orphaned.” ... and meditate. Often he would
How could the Rebbe know that think of another little boy, who
the child’s great soul longed for that lived many, many years ago...and
divine radiance in which he felt en­ was even younger than he ... our
veloped, when his father had taught father Avrohoin who was only
him the Aleph Bais.? The Rebbe three years old when he recog­
and the other townsfolk concluded nized his Creator.
that he was thus expressing lone­ Yisroel, too, sensed from the
liness, and ceased to be concerned. world of nature, that every blade
Soon, however, Yisroel did other (tf grass and every leaf grows and
strange things which the kinti lives, and that G-d, who created,
townspeople could neither justify afso sustains every living thing.
nor forgive. The Carpathian Moun­ Thus, like each of our Patriarchs,
tains in which the town of Okup he ntt) came to a comprehension
nestled, abounded in dense forests of, and faith in HaShem, through
of which the Other children would his own mental, emotional, and
speak with awe. But Yisroel feared physical prowess.
them not. He found them blissfullv So passed three years.

ENCOUNTER IN THE FOREST: THE NISTOR

One day, Yisroel prayed with spot, he suddenly heard a voice
the early minyon in town and ar from afar. Following tlie sound,
rived in the forest earlier than he was surprised to see a vener­
usual. [Link] drew him there able, graybeareded man standing
ahead of his accustomed time. near a tree, enveloped in Tabs and
W hen he reached his cherished T'phillin ... davening in a manner
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 27

he had never seen or heard. The den appearance in the forest. W ith
voice wafting heavenward was a a lovingly gentle smile, he answer­
symphony of longing... of joy... ed; "Aleichem Ha-Sholom. And
oft expressing entreaty amidst tears what is a little boy doing alone
... then changing to rapture... in the forest.^ Have you no fear?”
Yisroel stood spellbound. The old Yisroel answered the questions
man did not see Yisroel, who was in order; "I love the woods and
therefore able to observe his every fields where there are no deceitful
movement. people, puffed up with arrogance.
"He must be one of the thirty- Here in the woods everything is
six tzadikim of whom the world so gentle, so serene. No, I have
knows not, and in whose merit the no fear; I am an orphan, have
world exists,” mused little Yisroel, neither father nor mother. Before
without permitting his eyes to stray my saintly father of blessed mem­
for even a second. ory, departed this existence, he
Finally, the old man completed said to me: 'My son, fear no one
bis prayers, intoned a number of ... fear only G-d’ ... and thus there
chapters of Tehillim in a gentle, is no fear in my heart.”
melodious voice; then took a sefer "Are you Rabbi Eliezer’s son?”
and learned Torah with rapt con­ asked the old man.
centration and delight for a con­
"My father, peace be upon him.
siderable length of time.
was called by that name.”
Yisroel had observed many of
our people in the Bais Hamedrosh "Let us sit down, Yisroel, and
davening and learning Torah; but study Gemora.”
such davening and such learning They sat down on the grass, and
were unique in his experience. the patriarch took out a Gemora
Finally, the old man took off his f’esachim, from which they studied
T’philin and Talis, kissed them for a considerable time. Yisroel’s
lovingly, replaced them in his bag. knowledge, eagerness to learn, and
Then he took his staff and slowly quick grasp gave the old man much
started on his way. nachas. When they finished learn­
Here Yisroel left his hiding ing, the old Rebbe got up to go
place, and approached the aged and Yisroel, without asking or
man, saying: "Sholom Aleichem, knowing why, followed him.
Rebbe." The little orphan did not know
The patriarch manifested not the who this patriarch was, didn’t even
slightest surprise at Yisroel’s sud­ know his name, and did not deem
28 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

it important to ask. Quite suddenly, town to town and city to city. As

he felt a profound spiritual kinship they journeyed, the old Rebbe
with this unknown old man. learned Torah with him and shared
Together they traveled from what food he had.

THE TZADIKIM NISTARIM

Finally, they came to a village this existence: to kindle in the
where the patriarch said to him: hearts of our people a desire to
"One of our people lives in a forest reach the best and noblest in hu-
close by. He is truly G-d fearing maniry through the sweetness of
and a great Torah scholar. I am our Torah. To achieve this objec-
going to leave you with him for five, they helped the poor and the
a while.” ill with material help; they instilled
They entered the forest and soon faith in G-d; they taught our per-
reached a small hut where dwelt a secured and discouraged people
tar-maker called Reb Meir. Yisroel how to reach G-d through sincere
immediately sensed that his new prayer and love of our people,
mentor was no ordinary man, but which must be manifested through
a tzadik, a profound Torah scholar deeds of loving kindness.
and perhaps even one of the thirty- The Baal Shem Tov was four­
six tzadikim in whc»e merit the teen years old when he became a
world exists, but of whom the full-fledged member of these Tza-
world is unaware. dikim Nistarim (secret society of
During the four years Yisroel the saintly), whose noble accom­
stayed with Reb Meir, he devoted plishments were known to no one
most of his time to Torah smdy. but themselves. Like the other
Each day they walked to town to members he was so careful in his
daven with a minyon. No one mode of life that no one suspected
paid any attention to Reb Meir that at this tender age he was al­
as they did not suspect him of ready a Gaon and Tzadik. He
being anything but an ordinary carried out with distinction the
man of little knowledge or piety. various missions which were as­
As time went by, Yisroel noticed signed to him by the leaders of
that many men, extremely pious the Nistarim.
and learned, would stop at Reb By the time he was almost six­
Meir’s unpretentious cottage. Dis­ teen, he had delved deeply into
guised as wayfarers or laborers, Kabalah, the inystic interpretation
these holy men had one mission in and approach to our faith. From
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 29

time to time, he would daven in to G-d through Dvaikus and His-

the tradition of Rai>benu Yitzchok lahavus, i.e., clinging to G-d
Luria, the ARI HaKadosh, for the amidst fervor and a glowing
purpose of achieving a closeness ecstacy.

ELIYAHU HANOVEE REVEALS A SOURCE

OF NACHAS TO G-D
Here is a free translation of an the smiling countenance of Eliyahu
interesting passage, in the Yiddish HaNovee. My emotions were a
book, "Rabbenu Yisroel Baal Shem mixture of awe and wonder. Dur­
Tov,” published by Chabad-Luba- ing the time I had spent with the
vitch on the occasion of the two- Tzadik Reb Meir and also when
hundredth Yahrzeit of the Besht. I was in the company of the Nis-
The Baal Shem Tov writes: "On tarim, I had seen him. But this
my sixteenth birthday, the eight­ was the first time that I had merit­
eenth day of Elul in the year 5474 ed the privilege of having him
(1714), I found myself in a small reveal himself to me alone. I tried
town. The Jewish innkeeper was to, but could not fathom the mean­
an unlearned man, who could bare­ ing of his enigmatic smile.
ly pronounce the prayers in He­ "Said he to me: 'You are striving
brew, and did nor know their so hard to achieve a closer com­
meaning. Yet he was truly G-d munion with G-d through Dvaikus,
fearing, and was accustomed to say and through delving deeply into
at all times and occasions: Blessed the secrets that are hidden in the
be the Blessed One forever.’ His combinations of the first and last
wife had a similar expression: letters of the words of our prayers.
'Praised be His Holy Name.’ And Aharon Shlomo the innkeeper
"In accordance with the time- and his wife Zlata Rivka know
honored custom, I went out into naught of these secret paths of
the fields on this my birthday to coming closer to HaShem. Yet his
spend a part of the day in solitude heartfelt 'Blessed be the Blessed
and meditation. I recited some One forever,’ and his wife’s equally
chapters of Tehillim, and tried sincere 'Praised*be His Holy Name’
through Dvaikus to come closer create a stir in the upper worlds
to HaShem. which more than equal the rapture
"Deeply immersed in reflection created in Heaven by the mystic
and prayer, I became oblivious to means utilized by the great masters
my surroundings. Suddenly I beheld of Kabalah.”
30 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

"Eliyahu HaNovee then clarified objective one of my life’s purposes:

to me in full detail the great na- to always evoke praise of G-d from
chas-ruach (rapturous delight) each one of our people. To achieve
which is felt in Heaven as a result this, I would inquire a!bout their
of the thanksgiving and praise health, livlihood, and children. Each
which ordinary men, women and would answer with various expres­
children offer to HaShem. It is sions of praise and appreciation to
made even more acceptable to G-d, HaShein.
when these laudatory expressions "For a number of years I alone
are repeated constantly... for then concentrated on this means of
they achieve an unremitting close­ bringing our unlearned people
ness to HaShem and their hearts [Link] to G-d. However, at a cet-
are purified and ever overflowing tain gathering of the Nistarim,
with love of and trust in Him. it wa.s adopted for the entire
"From that moment I made this group.”

THE THREE LOVES: THE BESHT’S CONTRIBUTION

At about this time, they further inject.^ His contribution consisted
decided to concentrate their efforts of broadening and deepening these
on the unlearned of our people three loves and the other Chasidic
who felt somewhat estranged from goals which we shall consider
our faith and from each other. presently... and becoming the liv­
This enstrangement was even ing personification of them. His
greater between the unlearned and soul, overflowing with love of G-d,
the Torah scholars. They realized Torah, and our people, reached
that this breach would be healed into the parched souls of the great
by instilling the Three Loves: love masses. W hat had previously been
of G-d; love of His Torah; love lofty, but abstract ideals, appreci-
of all His people, regardless of a ted and pursued by a relatively
their spiritual status. few exalted souls, the Besht inter­
Let us briefly c o n s i d e r this preted and clarified in terms easily
fundamental question: What was understood by all. His mere exist­
new in the above three-fold ap­ ence ... his unique singing soul...
proach? W ere not these same, his profound wisdom... his extra­
lofty, spiritual objectives empha­ ordinary ability to reach every
sized by our Sages in every era crevice of the human being — all
long before the advent of the combined to endow him with that
Besht? W hat new element did he magnetic power which drew to
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 31

him all who came near. He was living, pulsating realities and he
able to identify with great Gaonim breathed them into the people of
such as the Mezritcher Magid and his generation — and also be-
the Toldos Yaakov Yosef, and at qiieathed them to our people in
the same time, with the least learn­ all generations till the end of
ed of our people. He uncovered time. He raised Torah study to its
the hidden light in these three rightful place in the lives of our
great loves... love of G-d, Torah people — the means to fulfillment
and our people, until they became ... and yet an end in itself.

THE NISTARIM FOCUS ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

For a number of years he worked a,ssume the responsibility for re­
in secret with the other Nistarim, ligious education by organizing
vv‫׳‬ho were disciples of Rabbi Adam proper schools and providing pious,
Baal Shem, of whom we shall qualified teachers for them, with
learn presently, to bring material special attention to be given to the
and spiritual help to our people, children of the poor. His sugges­
v/ith special emphasis iipttn the tion was accepted. It was further
needs of the ordinary, unle.1 rned decided that when a fully qualified
laborers, artisans and peasants. religious teacher was unavailable,
When he became eighteen years one of the Nistarim should volun­
old, he suggested that the Nistarim teer his services.

THE BESHT AS BAHELFER

The Besht fulfilled the maxim blessings, and assist them with all
that he who proposes a meritorious tl!e other necessary preparations for
project should personally involve their complete submission to the
himself in it. Although he could will of G-d at the level appropriate
easily have qualified as a Rosh Ha- for each child. Then he would
Yeshiva, or a Rabbi in a promi- lead them to the Cheder and teach
nenr Jewish community, he chose them the Aleph Bais and the vowel
instead to fill a need which existed sounds. At the end of the day, he
in the city of Brod for a Bahelfer would lead them back to their
(assistant to a religious teacher). homes and recite the evening
Every morning, he would call Shema with them.
at the homes of the children, help He loved these little children
them wash their hands and faces, with all the fire of his great flam­
recite the morning prayers and ing soul. Many years later, the Mez-
32 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

ritcher Magid remarked that he hearrs of our people to (XiOm it

wished he could kiss the Sefer brought comfort, joy and faith. It
Torah with as much love as the helped to sweeten the bitter life
Baal Shem Tov kissed these chil­ which was our people's lor in that
dren. His special tender loving care dark period. Slowly, fear left their
was reserved for those children hearts, then their eyes. Gradually,
whose parents had neglected their some of the joy of life replaced the
religious training. To these he heartbreak and melancholia indue-
would relate the beautiful stories ed by their harsh existence. It
of the Chumosh ... of ■Moshe Rab- seemed that the Heavens, earth,
benu... of how G-d gave us the trees, birds, and cattle... and all
Torah on Mount Sinai... of the nature, joined in the singing with
Prophets... and the Sages of the the faithful shepherd and his little
Talmud. holy flock.
As he led these pure young souls A profound joy suffused the
to and from Cheder, he would sing whole world ... and, Chasidim re­
with them the most heavenly ex­ late, also reached the upper world
quisite songs. Never had the towns­ where the rapturous delight en­
people heard such singing. The gendered was not any less than that
Besht’s unusually sweet voice ema­ felt when the Leveeyim would sing
nating from that unique soul and in the Bais Hamikdosh.
loving heart, went straight to the

THE SWEETEST PERIOD IN THE BESHT’S LIFE

These years were forever en­ Jrelped these sinless children recite
shrined in the memory of the Baal Modeh Anee, Shema Yisroel, Ye-
Shem Tov as the sweetest of his hay Shmay Rabbo... I sensed the
life. In later years, after he became great joy which was felt in Heaven
renowned as the great leader of our and the great envy of the angels
people, the founder of the world­ as they watched these pure little
wide Chasidic movement, whose .souls soar ever closer to G-d.”
disciples included great Gaonim to At rhe Besht’s suggestion, the
whom he revealed the innermost Tzadikim Nistarim concentrated on
secrets of the Torah, he would re­ building a firm foundation for our
call longingly the time when he faith, knowing that a strong, sound
guided these children to Torah and system of religious education was
Mitzvos and say: "Those were the the best means of bringing our
happiest days of my life... when I people closer to G-d and His Toralr.
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 33

NISTARIM ELECT BESHT TO LEAD THEM

Upon his election to serve as the of ignorance and bringing them
leader of the Nistarim, Moreinu to the Torah table.
(our teacher), the Baal Shem Tov, Like the great giant spirits of
directed the establishment of Cha- previous years, such as the Ram-
dorim for the young and Yeshivos bam, Moreinu the Besht extended
for the older boys in hundreds of sweet words of consolation and en­
Jewish communities. W ith the re­ couragement to the unlearned, suf­
ligious educational apparatus thus fering people of his time and
firmly established, the Besht point­ brought them back to the Torah
ed a way for serving G-d and camp. In even the slightest Jewish
fulfilling his injunction for Ahavas movement, he saw a prayer to the
Yisroel. As a second objective, the Creator ... and in every Jewish sigh
Nistarim focused their attention of a longing to Teshuva... a return
raising the masses from the morass to G‫־‬d.

RABBI ADAM BAAL SHEM: THE KESUVIM

There was another great Tzadik extremely difficult to understand the
who lived at that time who was deeper, inner meaning of many
called Rabbi Adam Baal Shem. Torah passages.
Widely known, loved and esteemed When Rabbi Adam would reach
by all, he lived in a small house a passage which eluded his com­
outside of town, and devoted day prehension, he left the world of
and night to prayer and Torah humanity for the fields, the forests
smdy. Since the words of the Torah and the caves. There he would
are the personification of G-d Who divest himself of all worldly cares
is Infinite, it is very difficult for and pursuits, immerse himself
a finite being to delve into and completely in the Torah, and pray
understand their secret inner mean­ to G ‫־‬d for perception.
ing. Even the greatest Tzadikim are On one of these occasions, when
no more than flesh and blood. he had left his home for a period
While their souls can and do attain of study and prayer, he found a
a very lofty spiritual level, their large number of Kesuvim (hand­
bodies, fashioned of clay from this written manuscripts) in a cave. As
lowest world, hamper their spi­ he started to read, a new powerful
ritual progress. Thus they find it spiritual light seemed to encompass
34 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

him. The hitherto secret, inexpli­ One day, while concentrating on

cable passages of the Torah sud­ this problem, he fell asleep and in
denly became crystal dear. He a vision was given specific direc­
closed his eyes and from the inner­ tions. Upon awakening, he called
most recesses of his heart, there his son and said; "The time has
poured a tremulous prayer of come, my dearly beloved son, for
thanksgiving to HaShem. me to depart frcm this lower exis­
When the time came for Rabbi tence. These Kesuvim reveal many
Adam to depart this existence, his Kabalistic secrets and instructions
heart was heavy with worry. What which you are not yet worthy of
was he to do with these Kesuvim .‫י‬ knowing. In a far-away city nameti
In adition to revealing the mystic Okup, there is a young man named
significance of certain Torah pas­ Yisroel, the son of Rabbi Eliezer.
sages, they also contained veiled He is at this time the only one in
hints on changing the course of the world who merits their posses­
nature, i.e., the performance of sion. Promise me that after my
miracles. W ere they to fall into the death you will take them to him.
hands of an unscrupulous person, He is great in Torah and in deeds
he might use this knowledge for of loving-kindness. I hope anti
evil purposes. To destroy them was pray that you will be fortunate
unthinkable; yet, he was also re­ enough to become his disciple."
luctant to bury them, since they As he finished these words, the
could be of great benefit to hu­ great holy soul of Rabbi Adam
manity in the hands of the right Baal Shem soared back to its D i­
person. vine Source.

THE YOUNG SHAMASH

In order to unobtrusively carry all Botei Medrashim of tliat era,
on his work as leader of the Tzadi- the schc'ars of our people would
kim Nisrarim, Morenu the Baal devote themselves day and night to
Shem Tov became the Shamash in Torah study and prayer. Immedi­
the town of Okup. In this position ately after Shabbos they would
he found that he could best guide leave their homes for the Bais Ha-
the work of the Nistarim and at medrash and not return until next
the same time devote himself com­ Friday afternoon, or just in time
pletely to Torah study. to prepare properly for Shabbos.
In the Bais Hamedrash, in which Qyntent that they were fortunate
the Besht served as Sliamash, as in enough to be married to Torah
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 35

scholars, their wives would act as feared that these scholars would
fathers and mothers to the chil­ not permit him to serve them if
dren for the six weekdays, and in they found out that he was their
addition assumed the role of bread­ superior in learning, and since he
winners for their large families. relished the mitzva of Shimush
(serving Talmidei Chachomim) he
As noted above, these scholars
resorted to the following stratagem :
would be completely immersed in
v/hen the scholars would return to
Torah study and prayer all their
study after Maariv service and the
waking hours. When they felt
evening meal, he would nap. And
hunger pains, they would pause
when they tired and napped, he
just long enough to eat a few slices
would arise and study Torah in­
of bread or a meal if it was pre­
tensively. Without any mundane
pared at home, and immediately
cares or worries, he smdied much,
resume their Avodas HaShem. At
absorbed all, and became full to
night, when they became drowsy
overflowing with Torah knowledge.
they would rest their heads on their
Like a cemented cistern, he lost not
hands or stretch out on the hard
a drop. The scholars, however, pre­
Shul bench for a quick nap, just
sumed that he slept the whole
long enough to store the requisite
night. As he was never caught
energy to return to Torah and
smdying, he was considered by all
prayer.
to be an ordinary, unlearned Sha-
The Beshr, who was known to mash and permitted to perform his
them as Yisroel the Shamash, serv­ menial duties. Loyally and capably
ed their needs. H e would bring did he serve these Talmidei Cha-
them water and their food from chomim whom he loved and re­
their homes. In the cold winter, vered with every fiber of his great
he would heat the oven. And as he soul.

R. ADAM BAAL SHEM’S SON: THE SEARCH

One day, the Bais Hamedrash Then they asked him to explain a
in Okup had a visitor... a young number of difficult Torah passages
man whose face glowed like the whose meaning had eluded them.
sun. . . mute testimony that he was He answered each question to
great in Torah and Mitzvos, for the everyone’s complete satisfaction.
face mirrors the soul. The Talmidei When the elder of the com­
Chachomim, as one, rose to give munity heard that the young
Sholom Aleichem to the stranger. stranger was a Torah scholar, he
38 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

THE REVELATION:
THE KESUVIM REACH THEIR DESTINATION
One night, when everybody in thought might have been a hal­
the Bais Hamedrash was asleep, lucination.
he stretched out on the shul-bench And during the second night,
for a nap. But sleep eluded him. R. Adam’s son saw the Shamash
W ithout getting up, he opened his repeat precisely what he had done
eyes and suddenly beheld a strange the night before. Now R. Adam’s
sight... one which he had not son was almost certain that this was
heretofore witnessed: the Shamash the Rabbi Yisroel, son of Rabbi
Yisroel stood near a table and was Eliezer, for whom he was search­
looking into a book! Just looking? ing. His quest seemed over at last.
NO! Although not a sound issued Yet he determined on just one
from his lips, lest he awake the more test. After all, the Kesuvim
sleeping Talmidei Chachomim, his constituted a powerful agency for
face glowed and flickered ... sparks good or evil; he must be absolutely
seemed to fly from his eyes... his certain before giving them up.
head was slowly weaving to and He looked for and found the
fro... while his hands moved rhy­ opportunity when the Shamash was
thmically, up and down to keep really asleep. He took one page of
cadence with his head... a perfect the Kesuvim and placed it on the
picture of complete, intense absorp­ table close to R. Yisroel. Then he
tion and concentration. stretched out on a bench and
An hour passed ... then another, feigned sleep. When the Shamash
and R. Adam’s son’s eyes were still awoke, he saw the sheet of the
riveted on the Shamash. Suddenly Kesuvim and started to read. Al­
R. Yisroel closed the book and most at once, his body trembled
quickly stretched out on the bench perceptibly. Hastily, he looked
... just as one of the Talmidei Cha- around him on all sides, as if to
chomim awoke to resume his find the man who left the sheet
studies. From the Shamash a loud there. As everyone seemed asleep,
snoring was heard ... as if he were he resumed his study of the page.
fast asleep. H is face turned a fiery red as he
"Did I dream all this?” R. concentrated on the sacred words.
Adam’s son thought. He decided Then he carefully placed it in his
not to sleep at all the following coat and stretched out on the bench
night in order to see... what he to sleep... or to simulate it.
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 39

N ow R. Adam’s son was certain HaShem. How happy he was to

that this was the man to whom his finally fulfill this last charge of his
father wished him to convey the saintly father! And he wasted not
Kesuvim. H e breathed a sigh of a moment, but called R. Yisroel
relief. . . and a prayer of thanks to and told him the whole story.

THE BESHT’S DILEMMA

As R. Adam’s son revealed to R still so young...had not yet been
Yisroel the story of the Kesuvim, subjected to honor and had not
the young Shamash stood mute, yet learned not to let it affect his
fearful. . . and sad. H e had succeed­ spiritual development.
ed in passing himself off as an
ordinary, unlearned man in order As these sad and frightening
to fulfill the great mitzva of Shi- thoughts raced through him, he
mush which is in some respects, stood like a lost soul, not knowing
even more praiseworthy than what to answer. To deny that he
Torah study. In this guise, he had is the man R. Adam's son was
also been able to direct the Nis- seeking in order to convey the
tarim and devote himself to inten­ Kesuvim was obviously out of the
sive Torah study, completely di­ question. It was an untruth. . . and
vested of worldly cares and respon­ he stood ever afar from anything
sibilities. And here the son of R which was not true. And even if
Adam reveals to him in his saintly he felt justified to deviate in this
father’s name that he is greater instance in order to protect his
than the greatest. .. the only one in anonymity so as to continue serv­
the world worthy of the Kesuvim ing G‫־‬d unknown to the world, he
... and his thoughts ran on: If this knew that he could not convince
became known, then people would R. Adam’s son that he was not the
honor and seek to serve him . . . and man he sought. R. Adam’s son had
he would no longer be able to seen him engrossed in Torah. . . and
serve his beloved Talmidei Cha- had tested him. And then, o f course,
chomim. Suddenly a new and even his soul thi!sted so for the Kesu-
more dismaying thought struck vim. Here was the key to rise ever
him; the homage which will be his higher and closer to HaShem. For
may make him fall prey to those a long agonizing moment the Baal
abominable human weaknesses — Shem Tov stood uncertain. . . fear-
vanity and arrogance. . . which are fu ll... net daring to admit, yet un­
so hateful to G-d. After all, he was able to deny, that he was the man
42 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

might have on his spiritual de­ Although for a time he succeed­

velopment. ed in passing himself off as an
H e settled in a town called ordinary Melamed, his wisdom and
Tlosty in Galicia, where he set up integrity could not be hidden. As
his own Cheder and continued his a consequence, many of our people
most beloved work. . . bringing our selected him as the neutral third
children into a life of Torah and party in settling disputes.
Mitzvos.

THE BESHT TAKES A SECOND WIFE

One day, R. Ephraim, a promi­ the world, he was clad in the garb
nent Jew of Kutev, came as a of an unlearned, poor peasant. His
disputant and was so impressed prospective brother-in-law, who
with the Besht that he offered him was a highly esteemed and promi­
his daughter Leah Rachel in mar­ nent Torah scholar, was shocked
riage. Tenaim were duly recorded at the prospect of having this
and R. Ephraim returned home. seemingly ignorant man in the
When the date of the wedding ap­ family. The bride, however, per­
proached, the Besht went to Brody ceived that there was much more
to the bride’s brother, R. Gershon to this man than his peasant’s attire
(her father had died in the in­ and speech indicated, and consent­
terim) to claim his bride. ed to become his wife despite her
In keeping with his way of life, brother’s objections.
that of serving G ‫־‬d unknown to

BACK TO NATURE AGAIN:

FURTHER PREPARATION FOR HIS LIFE’S WORK
The Baal Shem Tov and his wife effectively his work as the spiritual
left the noisy city for the calm of leader of the Nistarim.
the Carpathian Mountains, where Under his direction and supervi­
they lived in great poverty. He, sion, a great many new Chedorim
however, had here the privacy and and Yeshivos were established in
solitude he needed in order to de­ communities which had heretofore
vote all his time to a total commit­ been spiritual wastelands.
ment to a pure Torah-and-Mitzvos With the education of our youth
life. in good hands, the Nistarim turned
Here, too, he could carry on most their attention to the adults. In
 TH£ BAAL SHEM TOV 43

these same communities, regular community to make sure that Torah

shiurim were organized in Gemora, courses were avaikble to ybung and
Mishna, Ay in Yaakov, Chumosh old, the scholarly and the unlearn­
and Rashi, etc. Thus, each adult ed, before moving on. Their pro­
was sure to find a shiur to suit his found knowledge and noble, exem­
spiritual need. The Nistarim usual­ plary behavior served to create
ly would stay long enough in each widespread interest in Torah study.

A NEW ERA DAWNS

Chasidim relate that at the age to him. They started to study Be-
of twenty-six, a new era began for reishis. And when they had finish­
the Besht... one which lasted pre­ ed the last verse in Devorim, pre­
cisely ten years. To prepare him cisely ten years had passed.
properly for his unique mission, During these ten years, the
for which his unique soul had been Besht’s teacher appeared to him
sent to inhabit his body in this regularly, and taught him those Di­
lower existence, HaShem provided vine secrets of the Torah which
him with a unique teacher... Achi- are reserved for the truly saintly.
yah of Shilo, the Prophet who lived The prophet Achiyah thus prepared
at the time of David, King of the Baal Shem Tov with the re­
Israel. In a letter to his disciple, R. quisite Torah knowledge, resolu­
Yaakov Yosef HaKohen of Pulnoh, tion and personal magnetism for
author of "Toldos Yaakov Yosef,” the great task of winning the hearts
the Besht wrote that on the eight­ of our people, both scholars and
eenth day of Elul, 3484, the day the unlearned, for our Father in
he became twenty-six years old, the Heaven through Chasidus.
prophet Achiyah of Shilo appeared

THE BESHT’S MISSION IS REVEALED TO HIM

On his thirty-sixth birthday, it call Chasidus. He was most reluc­
was revealed to the Baal Shem Tov tant to undertake this mission. The
from on High that he had a unique simple, sublime life he led in the
mission in this existence... :0 Carpathian Mountains, far from
bring a new light and instill a new the teeming cities ... the indescrib­
spirit in our people through a able bliss of learning Torah from
somewhat dififerent approach to our a true Prophet of G -d... made life
faith... a way of life which we now a veritable Gan Eden for him. He
44 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

pleaded to be permitted to con- dertake it that his unique soul had

tinue to lead his present mode of been sent down to this lower exist-
life until he reached his alloted ence.-.that if he were adamant in
span of years. He was told in reply his refusal, his soul would have no
that he must undertake this mis­ further function on earth.
sion ... that it was precisely to un-

CHASIDUS: THE GREAT NEW LIGHT

Thus, at the age of thirty-six, in and Mitzvos. Numbered among his
the year 5494 (1734 C E .), a great thousands of disciples were the
new dazzling light burst upon the most highly esteemed Rabbis and
world. The Baal Shem Tov setded Talmudic scholars. The greatest of
in the city of Mezshbozsh, where them, Rabbi Ber of Mezritzch,
he began to live and teach the later became the Besht’s successor
doctrines of Chasidus in public. Im­ and the teacher of the celebrated
mediately, he attracted unusual at­ Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liady,
tention and numerous followers. the founder of Chabad-Lubavitch
Many young and older men, Chasidus, whose followers are help­
learned and unlearned, streamed to ing so many of our people in every
Mezshbozsh to learn this new way corner of the globe find their way
of coming closer to G-d, His Torah back to G-d.

THE ESSENCE OF CHASIDUS

W hat is the essence of Chasidus? ity and modesty in thought, speech
It stresses the importance of Ka- and action are the all-important ob-
vanah in prayer and the observance jecfives which need constant and
of all Mitzvos with an ever-cheerful intense concentration.
and joyous heart... that simple Today, countless thousands of
faith is something that everyone our people regard Rabbi Yisroel
of our people has potentially.. Baal Shem Tov as a divinely-in­
that through sincere prayer and the spired leader who instilled new life
whole-hearted chanting of Tehilim, and new hope into the scatteted
even the unlearned Jew can attain and shattered flocks of our people
a high spiritual level and closeness in all lands, and who fortified them
to G -d... that selfless love of with renewed faith and courage
fellow Jews and selfless devotion to meet the dreadful days that are
to the Torah way of life are to be to usher in Moshiach, may he
constantly cultivated ... that humil- come speedily and in our time.
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 45

WHEN MOSHIACH WILL COME

In a letter to his brother-in-law, "When will the Master come
who had become his disciple, the down to earth to redeem us?” the
Baal Shem Tov wrote that he had Besht asked him.
an extraordinary experience on "When your fountains (of Cha-
Rosh Hashonah 5507 (1747 C.E.), sidic doctrine and practice) will
when the heavens opened before spread to the outside,” replied
him and he saw Moshiach. Moshiach.

CHASIDUS BECOMES A WORLD-WIDE MOVEMENT

The disciples and followers of the final years of his life, the Baal
the Besht have tried to do just Shem Tov witnessed the beginning
th at... sptead his teachings among of the fierce, ruthless spiritual
all our people, and they have met struggle, which for a time divided
with unusual success. W ithin half our people into two hostile camps,
a century, about half of the world's the Chasidim and the Misnagdim.
Jewish population became Cha­ But he could also see the eventual
sidim. victory of his teachings. And when
The opposition tried but could all our people will accept his teach­
not stem the tide of the Chasidic ings, the ground will have been
movement which was gaining more fully prepared for the coming of
and more followers from both the Moshiach, speedily and in our days.
masses and the scholars. Thus in Amen.

THE BESHT’S PASSING .... AND LEGACY

Moreinu Rabbi Yisroel Baal ings and way of life are studied
Shem Tov departed this existence and followed today by numerous
on the first day of Shevuos 5520 Chasidim in every land where our
(1760 C.E.) at the age of sixty- people live. May his life and
two, with these words of Tehillim memory be a blessing to us all.
(36:12) on his lips: "Let not the Now that we have learned briefly
foot of pride overtake me!" What of the Baal Shem Tov’s birth and
an eternal legacy and lesson for early manhood, let us summarize
us to be mindful of right up to briefly the foundations of Chasidus
our last breath, not to fall into and their significance for us today.
the trap of arrogance! His teach­
46 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

IS CHASIDUS A COMPLETELY NEW APPROACH?

First let us consider this primary anecdotes, parables and customs
question: W hat was new and ori­ which are identical with and point
ginal about the Besht’s spiritual up the Chasidic way of life? Were
brainchild which we call Chasidus? not all the mystics, including R.
Why did it and still does attract Moshe Cordoveto, the A’RI Ha-
the greatest and most saintly Gao- kadosh, R. Chaim Vital, the Sh’loh
nim and Tzadikim? Don’t we find and many others who lived before
in the Gemora and later Rabbinical the Besht, Chasidim in the generic
literature many thoughts, stories. sense of the word?

THE BESHT’S CONTRIBUTIONS

W hat new element then did the ality which drew to him everyone
Baal Shem Tov add? He polished with wham he came in contact, the
these concepts until they gleamed scholar as well as the unlearned.
like blue-water gems; he length­ The Besht was a living, pulsating
ened, broadened and raised them w example of Chasidus ... and what
the loftiest heights and he breathed is perhaps most significant, he sue-
a new life and a new spirit into ceeded in reaching the great masses,
them through his own unique soul, something never dreamed of by
through his sweet loving person­ the Chasidim who preceded him.

CHASIDUS: SOME BASIC ELEMENTS

Chasidus may be described as a to G-d. Chasidus stresses the im­
way of life which stresses the portance of Torah study, bur also
following: teaches that even if for some reason
1. The all-importance of Kava-beyond his control, a persttn does
nah, or as the Gemora in San. 106b not understand the Hebrew pray­
declares: "G-d requires the heart." ers, they are nevertheless accepted
Chasidim took this message to by G-d if they are offered by a
heart. The prayers ... Torah study sincere, repentant heart, which re­
... indeed every Mitzvah must be grets deeply that it does not under­
— stand them. Such prayers will split
fulfilled with joyful eagerness ■
with every hidur, — not as a bur­ the very heavens, will open the
densome obligation, but rather as Gates of Compassion and will en­
a privilege which brings us closer noble and bring down G-d’s boun-
 THE BAAL SHEM TOV 47

ties to the supplicant... Chasidus ual and the Material derive their
is aptly summarized in the dictum sustenance from the same source.
in Pirke Avos (2 :1 7 ): "And all Yes, even the profane would not
your deeds should be for the sake be able to exist one second without
of Heaven.” the power of life it draws from the
2. Before the development ofG-dly source. Therefore it follows
Chasidus, the saintly believed that that the materialistic world and all
the world and everything in it con­ earthly joys cannot be condemned
sists of mutually-exclusive powers as stemming from an impure
which are forever locked in a life- source; they are merely vessels for
and-death struggle. These are: Kedusha. The all-important ques­
Good vs. Evil; Holiness vs. Im­ tion is: what is our Kavanah as we
purity; Spiritual Objectives vs. Ma­ enjoy the worldly pleasures.^ One
terial Drives. They further believed can eat, sleep and attend to all his
that the Good and the Spiritual bodily needs in order to have the
draw their sustenance from a Holy strength to serve G-d and to bring
Source; whereas the Impure and children into the world for the
Material Strivings draw their sus­ self-same purpose. And one can
tenance from a defiled, impure eat and cater to all his bodily needs
source. These ancient Chasidim like an animal, completely divested
therefore concluded, that the major of any thought, save to satisfy his
objective in life and the goal to lusts and cravings.
spiritual perfection could be best Thus the Baal Shem Tov had a
achieved by weakening the body completely different approach to
and its drives through eating less, the problem of Good and Evil. The
sleeping less and abstaining as much Chasidic interpretation of the verse
as possible from earthly pleasures. in Tehillim 34:15, which reads:
W ith the body in a weakened con­ "Turn aside from evil and do good,”
dition, the soul would then find it is: "Turn aside from evil, V’ahsay
easier to dominate and influence — and make of it — of evil ■ —
the whole personality toward the good.” Therefore man can serve
Good and the Spiritual. G-d with literally every fiber of
The creator of Chasidus came to his being, and still enjoy the sweet­
a completely different conclusion. ness of Olam Hazeh.
Since HaShem fills the entire uni­ Furthermore, the Besht believed
verse, or as the mystics express it: that weakening the body through
"There is not any place that is eating and sleeping little, often
void of G-d,” then both the Spirit­ brings on a sadness of spirit which
48 THE BAAL SHEM TOV

he considered a tremendous ob- man, who is a living model of

Stacie to the proper service of G-d. goodness and purity, to pray for
h im ... to share his simchos with
3. This brings us to another hail-
his beloved R ebbe...and also to
mark of Chasidus: Joy. "Serve the
be given courage and resolution
L-rd with joy; come before Him
to bear up when things are not
with singing,” urges the Psalmist
as he would want them to be.
(100:2) ..."M y heart and flesh
sing out joyfully to the living Finally, a true Chosid is recog­
nized by his appearance and garb.
G-d,” sings the Psalter (84:3).
He usually wears a beard, and
Even if we have failed and sin­ on the Sabbath a Kaftan, to
ned, we should not let the Yetzer of kings. .. that his is a unique
Hora plague us with a dejected member of the elite of the King
feeling of failure and frustration. of K in g s...th at his is a unique
Yes, we should acknowledge that way of life, as a member of a
we have erred, do Teshuva, resolve unique sect, of a unique people
never again... then turn right back chosen by G-d for a unique mis­
to serving G-d with joy. Chasidus sion: to elevate the earthly heaven­
engenders joy through the use of ward. To the verse (Ps. 115:16),
stirringly beautiful melodies, during "The heavens belong to the L-rd,
prayer; through a "farbrengen,” and the earth He has given to the
assembling for good fellowship; children of man,” Chasidim add,
through a Chasidic dance and a " ...to make of it (of earth)
"L'Chaim,” in order to raise the heaven.”
spirit to heightened appreciation Yes, a Chosid is different his
of: "How happy are we, how good soul and body are aglow with a
is our destiny, how pleasant our fiery love of HaSham... a love
lot, how beautiful our heritage.. which has seeped into his veins
In a word, how fortunate are we and arteries.., which in turn have
to be G-d’s chosen people. carried this flaming love to every
4. "The Tzadik is the founda­ organ of his body. Would that we
tion of the world” (Prov. 10:25). could all attain the Chosid’s joy in
Therefore a Chosid visits his serving G-d; his love of G-d; his
Rebbe, to be given specific direc­ love of Torah; his love of His
tion how to progress in Avodas people; and his love of His Mitz-
HaShem... to seek his Torah- VOS. Then would Moshiach most
inspired advice and blessing in all surely come, speedily and in our
major decisions... to ask the G-dly days, Amen.