Baal Shem Tov

Israel ben Eliezer
Tomb of Besht
Presentation
Birth name	Israel
Nickname (s)	Baal Shem Tov
Birth	25 August 1698 Okopie
Deaths	22 May 1760 (62 years) Medzhybizh
Burial Site	Medzhybizh
Dynasty	Hasidic
Successor	Dov Baer Mezeritch
Work	Keter Shem Tov
Father	Eliezer
Mother	Sarah
Wife 1	Hanna
Children 1	Tzvi Hirsh and Adele
change

Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer ( ), born 25 August 1698 at Okopie ( Podolia ) - died on 22 May 1760 at Medzhybizh called Baal Shem Tov or Besht by acronym, is a mystical Jewish rabbi. He is the founder of Hasidic Judaism.

The Baal Shem Tov lives in a middle period between the kabbalistic visions of Luria and adventures of the messianic Shabatasme and Frankisme ^{Biographical Elements}

What little biographical information on Besht in many cases is linked to legends of miracles, it is difficult to arrive at historical facts.

Early years

Israel ben Eliezer, known as Baal Shem Tov, was born on 25 August 1698 at Okopie on the border of Wallachia. His parents, Eliezer and Sarah, were poor, rights, and pious.

When it becomes an orphan, the community supports it. At school, he distinguished himself by his frequent disappearances, being always found in the woods or other solitary places, enjoying the beauties of nature.

Later, to support himself he worked as assistant to teacher to heder , custodian of the synagogue , ritual slaughterer , and as a delivery boy Clay .

Age of eighteen years, he settled as a teacher in Tluzt near Zalichtchyky. Because of his recognized honesty and his knowledge of human nature, he was chosen as a mediator to resolve conflicts that may arise within the Jewish community . Rabbi Ephraim of Brody , who came to ask him to solve a problem, he sees a man of value. He offers his daughter Hanna in marriage and engagement is concluded. The rabbi died, however, very shortly thereafter .

Courtship is traditional. Dressed like a peasant, Israel Baal Shem comes to Brody before Abraham Gershon of Kitov , brother of the girl, Dean of the Rabbinical Court of Brody and a leading authority in Kabbalah and the Talmud. Abraham Gershon was going to give him alms, when Besht released a letter from his pocket, designating it as the fiance of his sister.

Abraham Gershon tries in vain to dissuade his sister Hannah to marry him .

Israel ben Eliezer of signa

After their marriage, they lived in Rabbi Gershom. In discussions Talmudic scholars invited to by his step-brother, Besht talks like a peasant. Rabbi Gershom advised to put themselves in the study. The Besht stubbornly refused. Rabbi Gershom offer to the couple, whose presence disrupts the intellectual reputation of his house to go live in a small house he owns in the Carpathians. His brother could lead the simple life he loves. Accepts the proposal with enthusiasm Besht .

Later, his brother became one of his greatest disciples.

They have two children: Adele

List of taxpayers from the city of Medzhybizh

Meddzybizh

The many years he spent in the Carpathian allow him to get closer to ordinary people.

Israel Ben Eliezer learns to use plants for medicinal purposes and its first public appearance is that of a mere healer who prescribed remedies and prepares amulets.

After numerous trips to Podolia and Volhynia , known as the miracle worker, the Besht has enough followers to establish his authority. He decides (in about 1740 ) to move to Medzhybizh to propagate his teachings. The spiritual elite just listen. Medzhybizh becomes the center of the Hasidic movement.

In 1746, the Besht reveals to his disciples that, in a spiritual elevation, the Mashiah ( Messiah ) has guaranteed that he would reveal to mankind when his teachings (the Chassidic ) have spread worldwide.

Later, major Rabbinical authorities, universally recognized, and become his disciples attest to his scholarship. These include Rabbi Meir Margaliot , rabbi of Lemberg and Ostroh and author of Meir Netivim (a work of Halachic responsa) of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Hakohen Polnoa and Rabbi Dov Baer Mezeritch. It must be emphasized that the famous Rabbi Sephardic Chaim David Azoulay (the Hida) cites the Baal Shem Tov in his works in very laudatory.

Among the various historical evidence of the existence of Besht:

• His daily prayer book ( Siddur ) with handwritten notes in the margins,

• His tomb can still be seen today in the old Jewish cemetery Medzhybizh,

• More recently, Professor Moshe Rosman 's department of Jewish history at the University Bar-Ilan discovered in the archives of the city of Medzhybizh , the list of taxpayers.
  • It contains the name Baal Shem Dr, exempt from taxation, and many characters in the book The wonders of the Baal Shem Tov , the names appear continuously, year after year.
  • From 1760 the Baal Shem Tov is no longer included in the lists .

Recently, home study and Besht synagogue was rebuilt by the Agudat Ohalei Tzadikim , an organization that deals with preserving the heritage and Jewish cemeteries in the former USSR .

book of prayers Besht Library ( Chabad )

Final years

Besht's lifetime, there is very little antagonism between the different movements of Judaism.

The Besht joined the party of Mitnagdim in their disputes against the sectarian Frankists. It is one of the delegates of the communities of the Four Countries in a public controversy with Frankists. They illogically opposed the Zohar to the Talmud , rejected the principles and practices of Judaism. The Besht, specialist of the Zohar, is the eloquent defender of the Talmud.

The Besht said that the baptism of Franck was beneficial to the Judaism of today:

Until a sick member is linked to the organization, he still hopes to be saved, but once cut, it is gone, and there is no hope.

The upheaval caused by the movement of Franck threats to destroy Judaism seems to harm the health of Besht. He died on 22 May 1760 at Medzhybizh , shortly after the conversion of many Franckist to Christianity.

Work

Mausoleum on the grave of the Baal Shem Tov

Ten key themes form the basis of teaching and Besht which is based on Hasidism:

1. Faith.
2. La confiance en Dieu.
3. Learn to recognize God in every circumstance.
4. Prayer.
5. The sincere study of the Torah.
6. Love of Israel (the Jewish people).
7. Reliance on the fair.
8. The unity of the people (Jewish).
9. Goodness.
10. Joy.

Teachings

Thought for the Best emphasizes individual salvation obtained by Dvekout , direct union with God. While stressing the need to study the Torah Besht favors prayer over the Talmudic study, the norm in the Jewish community.

The three subjects recommended by the Cardinals Besht are:

• The Simcha, joy excluding any mortification
• The shiflout, humility,
• The hitlaavout conflagration of love.

By means of prayer practiced in certain provisions:

"The man reaches a level where there is no separation between God and him, where his thoughts lay people are sanctified, because these thoughts are the sparks of holiness (Nitsotsot From Kedousha) dating of the destruction of the Temple and the beginning of the Diaspora. "

Prayer helps therefore to release these sparks and Tikkun Haolam.

The Tzaddik , mediator between man and God, help, by his example and his words, the simple faithful, as ignorant as it is to achieve Dvekout. He assumes his troubles and trials and towards the deity.

The doctrine of Besht borrows from Kabbalah 's main themes, it popularized.

Very quickly, the Kabbalistic circle of Eastern Europe are related to the doctrine of Besht. His main disciple of Dov Baer Mezeritch , Great Maggid, sends his disciples through the Ukraine and spread this education turns the modest movement in a mass movement.

Dynasties are born in developing their own traditions, people within a strong, happy and enlightened by commitment to God and his Torah.

Great ideas

• In the foreground of Hasidism imagined by Israel Ben Eliezer, is a design "neo- pantheistic , "God strongly marked.

• The whole universe - the mind and matter - is a manifestation of the Divine Being.

• Even evil exists in God.

• Evil is not bad in itself but only in its relationship to man.

• The concept of attachment to God dvekout means that the Hasid must be aware of the divinity in every moment, as far as possible.

• In the study of Torah , but also in secular activities, he eats, drinks or treats his business, he must be aware that any activity is an act of faith.

• Opponents of the Hasidic protest against this teaching in which they perceive a denial of Torah study, the supreme value .

• The Baal Shem Tov gives special importance to prayer which must be done with enthusiasm and concentration of mind:

"Everything I've done, I have not reached by the study, but through prayer."

Shoul's Besht rebuilt and transformed into a Museum

• The Besht does not preclude the practice of Lithuanian Jewry but to the way it is practiced.

• The Besht attempts to realize his ideal. His life is a model for his followers.

• The study of the Talmud is an essential factor in the religious life, but a friendly relationship with sinners is more important than prayer.

• The life of generosity and kindness is Besht. What distinguishes him from his contemporaries is his dislike of conflict, his mercy and his joie de vivre.

• The teaching methods of Besht differ from his opponents and contributing to its success.

Writings

The teachings of the Baal Shem Tov are published in the writings of his disciples in which they formulate their own interpretations of the master's ideas.

The main source of biographical Besht is the book-Shivchei HaBesht .

For his teaching, the following publications are particularly valuable:

• Yaakov Yosef Toldot, Ben Porat Yosef, and Tsafnat Panah published by Yaakov Yosef of Polnoa Hakohen.
• Likoutim Yekarim published by Samuel b. Judah Segal Leyba.
• Tzava'at Haribash, guidelines, doctrines and instructions religio-ethical.
• Keter Shem Tov, an anthology of his teachings, mostly drawn from the works of Yaakov Yosef of Hakohen Polnoa , and Likoutim Yekarim.
• Sefer Baal Shem Tov, a two-volume anthology of his teachings compiled from more than 200 Hasidic texts, which constitute the most complete collection.

Aphorisms

• To remove your friend from the mud, do not be afraid to get dirty.
• When God wants to punish a man, he denies the faith.
• If your son is taking a bad way, love him more.
• A perpetual enjoyment ceases to be a pleasure.
• The fear of God, without joy is not feared, but depression.
• Even the body of a saint is made of flesh.
• The source of sadness is pride: when a man thinks that everything is due.
• A man who is so taken by the study, how can he find the time to think about God (Note satire directed against the adversary, the typical Talmudic scholar of his time)!

Opposition

The Besht and doctrine emerge soon after the period of false messiahs.

In this environment, the teaching of Besht is poorly received by the rabbis and community leaders. His doctrine challenges the intellectual tradition of Talmudic study, socially highly selective, rehabilitating the spontaneous piety of the ignorant, leveling the believers.

This opposition rather silent during the life of Besht amplified after his death, with the creation by his disciples Hasidic communities, away from official communities.

The Rebbe are rushing into their homes thousands of visitors in search of a mystical and fraternal atmosphere, personal contact with their spiritual leader, which they expect lessons, advice, blessings and sometimes thaumaturgic interventions.

The opposition Talmudists , joined by Elyahou ben Solomon is radical, going to Herem ( 1777 ).

Yet Hasidism remains committed to Halacha and traditional morality, relegates the messianism of the future and rehabilitates Talmudic study.

Legends

The Besht is one of the most interesting figures in modern Jewish history.

He is a man of the people and for the people.

No wonder he was quickly overtaken by the legend.

In the Hasidic wisdom it is said:

"He who believes in all the stories about the Baal Shem Tov is a fool, Who says they are false is a heretic."

There are different legends about his parentage:

• Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel of Apta says that her parents' house was open to all. To always offer hospitality, they post guards at each corner of the village to locate hosts and the poor.

As the angels praised his sense of hospitality, of heaven, was decided it would be tested. Satan proposes as an emissary. The prophet Elijah is opposed and he comes on Saturday afternoon. What is Eliezer of the desecration of the Sabbath in public? In order not to shame his guest, he welcomes and kindly offered to stay for dinner. Seeing his noble conduct, the prophet Elijah comes to Eliezer and said:

"Thanks to your devotion and your tenacity, you have a son who will enlighten Israel."

Eliezer and his wife Sarah had given up hope of ever having a child. But approaching the centennial, the promised son was born, they called Israel.

Parents of Besht died shortly after birth.

Before dying, his father called to his bedside and said:

"Israel, not afraid of anything except the Creator of the world, like any Jew, does not push anybody."

• Hasidic legend tells that even in a neighboring country, a Baal Shem , named Adam, leaves to his son valuable manuscripts mystics.

It recommends the return to the only man capable, in his time, understanding, Israel ben Eliezer, whom God has revealed the great mission. It goes to the village that his father had told him, and inquired about Israel ben Eliezer. It is said that this young man lives in the house of study, but we do not believe very learned.

The traveler spoke to him, and Israel simulates ignorance. The envoy raises on the table, some of the manuscripts, then pretended to sleep. When he awoke, he found the Besht studied the mysterious texts.

They begin to study them together for several years.

• At that time also, according to Hasidic tradition, he learned to do miracles in pronouncing the Tetragrammaton divine to Constantinople , where Besht stopped in his travels to the Land of Israel, he was received with unusual hospitality by a childless couple.

In exchange for their kindness, Besht, when leaving, they are promised a son, pronouncing the divine tetragrammaton.

Barely pronounced the incantation, the Besht hears a voice from heaven saying he had lost his hand in the future world, because it forced the hand of God. Rather than grieve over his fate, the Besht cries of joy:

"Blessed art Thou, O Lord, by Your mercy, because now I can really serve you with love, because I have no reward to expect in the future world!".

Disciples

Most of the ethical heritage of the Baal Shem Tov, is mainly transmitted by his disciples. With their supporters, they contribute to Hasidism diffusion amazingly fast: in the early 19th century , half the Jews of Eastern Europe belongs to the Hasidic movement.

Among his disciples:

• Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Hakohen Polnoa (1710-1784)
• Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf Kitzes of Medzhybizh (~ 1685-1788)
• Rabbi Yechiel Michel Zolochiv (1721-1786)
• Rabbi Dov Baer Mezeritch (1704-1772)
• Rabbi Pinhas of Korite (1728-1790)
• Rabbi Menachem Nahum Twersky of Chernobyl (1730-1797), founder of the Hasidic dynasty of Chernobyl.
• Rabbi Aryeh Leib of Chpola (1725-1812)
• Rabbi Abraham Gershon of Kitov , brother of the Baal Shem Tov (1701-1761), descendant (perhaps the grand-son) of Sabbatai ha-Kohen (the Shach) (1625-1663).
• Rabbi Meir of Margaliot Ostroh
• Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudilkov
• Rabbi Boruch of Medzhybizh , grand-son of the Baal Shem Tov and uncle Nachman of Breslov.

External Links

• Baal Shem Tov's Niggun Outside His Kever

References

Bibliography

• Martin Buber , The Legend of Baal-Shem, Editions du Rocher , 1993, coll. The great spiritual texts, ISBN 2-268-01621-8
• Martin Buber's Hasidic Tales, The Rock, 1985, coll. Gnosis, ISBN 2-268-00018-4
• Isaac Bashevis Singer , Stories of the Baal Shem Tov, Stock, 1983, coll. Judaism Israel, ISBN 2-234-01663-0

• Portal of Jewish culture and Judaism

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