Stories of the Baal Shem Tov

It was the first, and at that time the only, book that contained the teachings of the holy Baal Shem Tov, and now the opponents of Chassidism were plotting to destroy it...

“Remember, Reb Ze’ev,” were the Baal Shem Tov’s parting words to him, “one must know how to properly answer a question. Weigh your words carefully before you speak...”

Following the Baal Shem Tov’s directions, Rabbi Chaim led Moshe Meshel and the coach driver to a clearing among the trees that seemed to be a ruin of some sort, with the remnants of a number of buildings . . .

Word resounded throughout the supernal worlds: "Because Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov has forced the hand of heaven to overturn the laws of nature, he has forfeited his portion in the World to Come"

To each of his disciples Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov revealed his task in life, and one, who is the hero of our story, he instructed to become a wandering storyteller. “You will know when your mission is achieved,” the Besht added.

Holding little Shaul by the hand, the Baal Shem Tov stood for a few moments among the the crowd of noisy, drunken peasants. Then he clapped his hands to get their attention. “Silence!” he called out in their language, which the Baal Shem Tov knew well . . .

Reb Yaakov tried not to remember but suddenly the scene was there in his memory, clear as day. He didn't want that bum to get too close. He looked disgusting. Besides, he was in the middle of a conversation with his friends...

The Baal Shem Tov led the young Talmudist to the window. A water-carrier was passing by, with a pole across his back and a pail of water tied at each end. “Come, let’s go speak with him,” said the chassidic master.

"Fundraising for bribes?" objected Rabbi Baruch. "Surely the matter can be dealt with in a more elevated way. Could you not teach our Jews the Echad of my holy grandfather?"

Rabbi Sholom Ber Wineberg, director of Chabad of Kansas and Missouri, ably tells captivating stories of the holy Baal Shem Tov, that fascinate and inspire.

One day, it was revealed to Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov that he had merited that a great soul would be his "roommate" and partner in the World To Come...

Many of the Baal Shem Tov's ways seemed strange to an outsider, but his disciples knew that in the end -- even if it took years -- all would be understood

"We have many stories showing us the Baal Shem Tov's power to perform miracles," Rabbi DovBer pronounced. "For that, we don't need this story..."

As soon as the holy day was over, the man rode into Mezhibuzh, despondent and heartbroken. But the Baal Shem greeted him full of joy

The visitor lost no time in explaining to the Baal Shem Tov that he had no special needs or problems which required any intervention or blessing. “Perhaps you’d like to hear a story, then?” asked the chassidic master.

One time, Israel used the kabbalistic knowledge he had learned to cross the river Dniester

The Baal Shem Tov consoles a Russian general

Every day the old water carrier passed the study hall where the Baal Shem Tov stood with his disciples

The merit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai protects a community in danger.

The Baal Shem Tov turned to me and said, “Dovid! Stand up and testify to what you have seen!”