Ba’al Shem Tov, Israel (1700–1760). The
inspiration for Hassidism, a religious renewal movement that swept through
Eastern Europe from 1750 through the 19th century. The Ba’al Shem Tov
maintained that the study of Talmud was not the exclusive way to serve God. One
could serve God through all commandments and all human activities as long as
one’s awareness was so directed. He had a small group of followers who spread
his teachings throughout Eastern Europe. These tzaddikim, or righteous ones,
lent their own style and personality to the message of the Ba’al Shem Tov.
Courtesy: Professor Shai Cherry