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Historical figures
Founder of Jewish movement of Hasidism/Chasidism and designated by his immediate followers as Ba'al Shem Tov (or Besht) - the Good Keeper of the Divine Name. According to popular tradition he was already remarkable in childhood years. Drawing on his own experience of the natural world, he taught that engagement with the world and other people brings human beings close to God. Basic trust and joyful following of Torah matter more than formal academic learning. His stories and healing actions attracted thousands of followers during his lifetime and continue to do so today. The saint (tzaddik) is the best source of illumination through emulation.
Life
YIVO Encyclopaedia of Jews in Eastern Europe article on Ba'al Shem Tov
Chabad.org brief biography of Ba'al Shem Tov
Enlightened Spirituality article on Ba'al Shem Tov
Writings
Tzava'at Harivash: The Testament of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov
From a Polish-speaking background, at the age of 21 he signed on as crew on an English merchant ship and subsequently took on citizenship. His 15 years at sea, especially between Borneo and Singapore, and subsequently visits to the Belgian Congo, provided raw materials for his short stories and novels. Throughout his writing, the human capacity for self-deception is exposed as a necessary ingredient for any moral sense.
Life
Writing
Video