Tazria Metzora: Naming at the Circumcision
"Please do not ask me these questions,” responded the Baal Shem Tov, “for the time for me to be known in this world has not yet come...
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Shmini: A Kosher Animal
“Perhaps,” the Baal Shem Tov reasoned, “the problem is not a halachic one. Perhaps the shochet is in a spiritual “position” that he needs to be removed from?”
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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...
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…
Matot: The Baal Shem Tov’s Anger
"I can't ever remember seeing anyone being so angry. And then raising his hand to strike someone, even a servant. And especially on Shabbat," he kept thinking.
Toldot: A Special Little Horse
“Rabbi, you know how much I respect you, but this horse is special to me. Usually two larger horses have trouble pulling a wagon up the hill to my inn...
Ki Tisa: The Holy Shabbat Beans
His wife brought a platter of cooked beans and placed a spoonful on each of their plates. Then she spoke, "May it be God's Will that these beans have the taste...
Balak: The Sip of Wine
The wine merchant's servant fulfilled his master’s instructions and waited until the Baal Shem Tov had taken a sip of the wine. Then he returned and reported to his master...
Chukat: The Thirsty Student
“Rebbe,” he said, “I am extremely thirsty.” However, the Baal Shem Tov ignored him and continued to walk briskly. “Rebbe please,” he pleaded, “If I do not...