Baal Shem Tov
A soul can come down into this world for seventy-eighty years just to do a favor for another.
Reb Israel Baal Shem was born on 18 Elul 5458 (1698) in a small Polish town. Little Israel was orphaned at the tender age of five. His father’s last words were, “Yisrolik, fear nothing save the Creator alone.” The little boy went on to become the greatest leader of his generation and the founder of Chassidism, placing particular emphasis on innocent service to the creator, divine providence, and the inner-dimensions of Torah. In 5520 (1760), on the first day of Shavuot, the holy Baal Shem Tov elevated his soul to its creator.
Three Lovers of Israel
Three great Chassidic leaders were famous for their ahavat yisrael (“love of a fellow Jew”): Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, and Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov.
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Smorgasbord
The Baal Shem Tov teaches us about the importance of perseverance in our spiritual pursuits and our dynamic relationship with G-d.
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Equestrian Illusions
A telling story about the origin of the melody sung by the Lubavitcher rebbes on the first night of Rosh Hashanah.
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The Soul Throws a Party
Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shemtov explains to us, through parable, the importance of being joyful on the most spiritual day of the week, Shabbat.
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Pushcart Prophet
A lesson in the form of a story about truthfully evaluating one’s life and recognizing areas that need improvement.
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Fire and Ice
Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch relayed the following story at a farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) with his chassidim
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Beyond Paradise
A story about the Baal Shem Tov and his quest to reach the Holy Land, his nearly failed Passover, and the stranger who changed everything.
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Accommodations
A story of the Baal Shem Tov on one of his travels who would rather be a guest in the home of a sinner than in the home of a learned, yet egotistical person
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An Eye and a Sigh
A story of two devoted neighbors, one living a spiritual life and the other a material one, and their surprising judgments at death.
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