Who is shem tov

The National Library of Israel website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continued use of the website constitutes consent to the use of cookies. For more information, please see our privacy policy. His youth is shrouded in legend, but it is clear that in the midth century, a certain Baal Shem a term used for Jewish mystical folk healers had gathered around him in the town of Medzhybizh a small group of enthusiastic Kabbalists who prayed and studied Torah together.

The movement managed to spread across most of Eastern Europe, and according to some scholars, became extremely popular among the Jews of Eastern Europe by the end of the 19th century. Leaving no written legacy of his own except for a few letters , the Baal Shem Tov still managed to profoundly influence Jewish daily life, from his time to the present.

His teachings, which include sermons, commentaries, stories and short sayings, were passed down orally. However, Rabbi Ephraim passed away a short time later, so when Yisrael went to Brody to marry his wife, he met the bride's brother, Rabbi Gershon Kitover, also a major scholar. When Yisrael presented himself as the groom, Rabbi Gershon was shocked, since Yisrael was dressed in the manner of an ignorant peasant.

However, Yisrael produced a letter of engagement and Rabbi Gershon begrudgingly agreed. Leah Rochel however, was apparently more perceptive and saw that there was more to Yisrael than appeared on the surface. After their marriage, Rabbi Yisrael and his wife moved to a small town in the Carpathian Mountains. Supported by his wife, he spent this period in study and worship.

Finally, when he was thirty-six years old in the year , Rabbi Yisrael revealed himself to the world. He settled in Talust and rapidly gained a reputation as a holy man. The title Baal Shem Master of the Name was used for holy men who were known as miracle workers since they used the power of the Name of God to work miracles.

He was also known by the acronym of "Besht. Rabbi Yisrael's fame spread rapidly. Many important scholars became his disciples. It was during this period that the movement, which would eventually be known as Chassidus piety , began. The Baal Shem Tov's teachings were largely based upon the Kabalistic teachings of the AriZal Rabbi Yitzchak Luria but his approach made the benefits of these teachings accessible even to the simplest Jew.

He emphasized the profound importance and significance of prayer, love of God, and love of one's fellow Jews. He taught that even if one was not blessed with the ability or opportunity to be a Torah scholar, one could still reach great spiritual heights through these channels. It is important to note that while the Baal Shem Tov taught that Torah study was not the only way to draw close to God, he did not teach that Torah study was unimportant or unnecessary.

On the contrary, he emphasized the importance of having a close relationship with a rebbe , a great Torah scholar who would be one's spiritual mentor and leader. Good actions, even though performed not lishma, are still better than nothing; the Talmud says, A person should anyway learn Torah and do mitzvot not lishma, for out of not lishma, lishma will come Pesachim 50 b. The JC offers several email newsletters to keep you updated with our news, features and comment.

Take your pick from a daily update, the Editor's weekly selections, lifestyle, politics and sport — or choose them all. The Jewish Chronicle. Got a story? Contact us. A history and overview of this virtues-based approach to Jewish ethics and character development.

Famous for his sayings, stories and charisma, this Hasidic leader inspired a movement that is still vibrant today. We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and bring you ads that might interest you. Join Our Newsletter Empower your Jewish discovery, daily. Sign Up.