Topic: Baal-Shem-Tov

Baal-Shem-Tov , c.1698-1760, Jewish founder of modern Hasidism , b. Ukraine. His life is the subject of many tales that circulated even before his death. Originally named Israel ben Eliezer, he is said to have been born of elderly, poor parents and to have been orphaned at an early age. He supported himself as an assistant in a heder (Hebrew religious school), as a synagogue watchman, as a quarry worker, and as an innkeeper. He gained a reputation as a miracle healer; hence the name Baal-Shem-Tov [Heb.,=master of the good name, i.e., the Name of God]. Central to his teachings is the idea... Read more