Baal Shem Tov

Baal Shem Tov was the religious name of Israel ben Eliezer, an 18th-century Jewish mystic traditionally regarded as the founder of Hasidism.

Israel ben Eliezer: An 18th-century Jewish religious teacher known by the title Baal Shem Tov. This is the personal name behind the title and the historical identity associated with his teachings.
Devekut: A Jewish mystical ideal of cleaving to or maintaining awareness of God. This ideal captures the intimate divine attachment at the center of his spiritual teaching.
Jacob Joseph of Polonne: An early Hasidic rabbi and author whose writings preserve teachings attributed to the Baal Shem Tov. His works are among the earliest written sources for the founder's teachings.
Mezhibuzh: A town in present-day Ukraine historically associated with the Baal Shem Tov. Tradition places much of his later life and his burial in this town.
Hasidism: A Jewish religious movement emphasizing devotion, spiritual joy, and the presence of God in everyday life. The movement traditionally traces its founding inspiration to his teaching.
Kavvanah: The intention or focused consciousness brought to Jewish prayer and religious acts. His approach emphasized inward intention as a means of making worship spiritually alive.
Shivhei HaBesht: An early collection of stories about the Baal Shem Tov, published in 1814. Its hagiographic narratives strongly shaped later images of his life and character.
Baal Shem Tov's letter to the Messiah: A letter attributed to the Baal Shem Tov describing a mystical encounter with the Messiah. The letter links his spiritual authority to expectations of redemption.
Kabbalah: The diverse traditions of Jewish mysticism concerned with divine attributes, creation, and spiritual interpretation. Kabbalistic ideas shaped the mystical framework from which his teachings drew.
Jewish prayer: The communal and individual forms of worship practiced in Judaism. Prayer became a central setting for the devotion and spiritual joy associated with his teaching.

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