Chayei Sarah: The Dowry
“It’s not a question of trust”, replied Reb Zev. “The chosson and kallah will be living in my house. I cannot afford to support them on my own."
Stories from the Baal Shem Tov
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Vayera: The Inhospitable Rabbi
The rabbi prided himself on his meticulous attention to religious law and painstaking efforts to avoid mistakes. Yet, he was a fierce opponent of the Baal Shem Tov…
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Vayakhel: Iyov’s Penny
A line of people wound its way from the door of the holy Baal Shem Tov’s office. Many stood in line to seek advice and blessings from the holy tzaddik...
Tetzaveh: The Man Who Thought He Was God
Later, when Lord Elokim, the master of the castle, returned, his servants ran to him and said, "Lord Elokim, a Rabbi has come to visit. He is waiting for you in the library."
Tetzaveh: Eating for Atonement
The women rushed to prepare the meat broth while the men stood around the sick man’s bed saying Tehillim (Psalms). Almost everyone, except for the doctor, felt relieved because...
Terumah: A Pinch of Snuff
Once, a poor man came with a group of beggars to collect charity at the shul of the Baal Shem Tov. The shammos (caretaker) of the shul gave each beggar a few coins...
Mishpatim: Reincarnation
Suddenly, in a dream-like vision, Rabbi Dov Ber saw a handsome prince and a female friend come to a river for a picnic and a swim. The only other person there was a border guard...
Yitro: The Stocking Maker
The host looked out the window at the man as he continued walking down the road. "Oh, that's just Reb Dovid, the stocking maker...
Beshalach: 100 Questions
I asked myself; perhaps this man is not human? How could a person achieve such holy power? Had he perhaps fallen from Heaven?
Bo: The First Revelation
The Rabbi took the Baal Shem Tov aside and asked him, “Who are you? Please tell me the truth.” The Baal Shem Tov disclosed to the Rav that in fact he was a holy man...
Pekudei: A Heavenly Teacher
I was born in the village of Okup in the year 5458. When I was five years old I was orphaned from my father and mother, of blessed memory. The community...
Pekudei: The Redemption of Sparks
In any case, the Baal Shem Tov arrived a few days before Shabbat. He immediately met with Rabbi Yaakov Yosef (whom he affectionately called Yossele) and they...
Acharei Mot: A New Way of Serving
At this time before the coming of the Moshiach," the Baal Shem Tov continued, "there is usually no need for self torment...
Bereishit: The Power of Repentance
If someone regrets his transgression with such remorse, then two candles are more than sufficient to atone for his wrongdoings.”
Emor: Reb Mottel
Finally, Reb Mottel had overextended himself with his wholesalers to the point that he had to sell all his property to repay his debts. Only his modest house...
Vayeshev: The Dream Interpreter
Just then, Reb Yankel had an intense dream. In the dream, the King came to visit him. He treated the King with his usual generosity. While they...
Masei: A Journey of the Baal Shem Tov
“Rabbi, do not be too upset. I had a vision that several of your adversaries will be killed, and the entire city of Shargorod will be set ablaze.”
Lech Lecha: The Blessing of a Poor Man
Reb Moshe was honored and gladly the Baal Shem Tov's invitation. The Baal Shem Tov asked him, "Reb Moshe, do you know why you were...