If the Sukka represents G-d’s love for the Jewish people, wouldn’t the Baal Shem Tov, the great champion of Ahavas Yisroel, want to beautify his Sukka in every way possible? Why then did he rely on leniencies?
Presented for Shabbos Parshas VaEschanan, when we read the Aseres HaDibros
A small house made of old wood stood on the side of a mountain, among the mountains between Kitov and Kosov, as though hiding in its shade. As far as the eye could see were the Carpathian Mountains in their full glory. G-d’s creation is magnificent indeed.
Why did the Baal Shem Tov call down the Samech-Mem himself and why did the Samech-Mem become alarmed when five tzaddikim convened in an abandoned house on the edge of a tiny village? * What is the segula to hasten the Geula and why did R’ Boruch of Mezhibuzh’s stomach turn every morning? * What did the Yid of Peshischa learn from the gentile? * A compilation of stories about tzaddikim who did so much to hasten the Geula and to raise the Sh’china up from the dust. * From the book U’Meivee Goel
Any object belonging to a tzaddik acquires some of his sanctity. All the more, that which was owned by the holy Baal Shem Tov, whose holiness suffused even his material belongings. Some of these items were passed down through the generations in various inheritances and some amazing stories are told about them. * Presented for Shavuos, which marks the passing of the Baal Shem Tov
When Feivel entered the Baal Shem Tov’s room, the tzaddik asked him whether he needed a blessing for anything. Feivel demurred, saying, “I have everything I need; I came just to meet his honor.”
Chassidic thought was first unveiled by Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760). These profoundly spiritual teachings were later harnessed into a comprehensive and methodical philosophical system by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe, who was born in 1745 – the same year as Volta).
A compilation of stories about the Baal Shem Tov and the Geula of the Jewish people. * Presented for Chai Elul, the Baal Shem Tov’s birthday.
A story about the Baal Shem Tov, presented for Shavuos, the day of his histalkus.
“I remained alone with the Baal Shem Tov. I bitterly asked him why I had been brought into Gan Eden and not given a place. He said, ‘Because you gave your word and did not keep it.’” * Presented for Shavuos, the yahrtzait of the Baal Shem Tov.
October 15, 2019