The Baal Shem Tov’s Journey and the Birth of Chassidut

On the 18th of Elul in the year 5458, Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov was born to his parents, Rabbi Eliezer and Sarah.

Rabbi Yisrael was orphaned at a young age, and the local teacher in his town served as his guardian. As he grew older, he began studying the writings given to him by Rabbi Adam Baal Shem, one of the hidden righteous men of that generation. Rabbi Yisrael began practicing seclusion and elevating himself in both the revealed and mystical dimensions of Torah.

The Baal Shem Tov later moved to Brody, where he married the daughter of Rabbi Ephraim of Kitov.

Only at the age of 36 did his greatness become known to the world. He began to gain fame as a holy man, and many flocked to him to learn from him and receive his blessing. The Baal Shem Tov began teaching and spreading the doctrine of Chassidut, which spread rapidly and brought spiritual healing to many Jews who felt alienated by the more ascetic mussar approach that had been dominant until then.

Around the year 5500, the Baal Shem Tov became the rabbi of Mezhibuzh, where he remained until his passing on Shavuot in the year 5520. His students continued his path and spread Chassidut throughout the entire Jewish world.