The Shabbat Guest
Breslev Israel is delighted to present a new series for the whole family about the childhood of Rebbe Yisroel, lovingly known for posterity as the “Baal Shem Tov”…
The Baal Shem Tov – Early Years
All Articles
The Orphan
In Reb Eliezer's house, however, there was no prosperity. His widow and their 5-year old son Yisrael – “Srulic” - didn't even have a crust of dark bread to eat…
Eliahu Comes Again
Five year old son Yisrael – “Srulic” – learns the secret of Kaddish from Elijah the Prophet, who descends from the upper worlds to teach the little orphan Torah…
The Teacher’s Helper
The angels loved Srulic’s accomplishments but the Satan was angry because of the young assistant melamed’s amazing influence on the children…
The Werewolf
On Shavuot is the Baal Shem Tov’s yahrtzeit. In honor of this memorable day, we continue with the saga of his early years and wondrous deeds…
Adam Baal Shem’s Letters
The holy tzaddik Adam Baal Shem left the physical world. His letters, full of Torah secrets, were destined to reach his successor, a young orphan…
Rabbi Adam’s Son
Adam’s father had instructed him to go to Okup and find a very pious, devout person named Yisrael the son of Eliezer who kept his deep faith and piety completely hidden…
Bar Mitzva
Young Srulic met the two strangers, one of whom had taught him secretly when he was a little boy. Now as a bar mitzvah of 13, he no longer felt alone…
Bar Mitzvah Gift
Suddenly Israelic realized why the two wonderfully mysterious and holy guests had come to him. This day, the eighteenth of Elul, was his birthday and his bar-mitzvah.
The Secret
Israel had trained himself to get up at this time every night, so that he could study for a few hours, in complete secrecy, the holy words of his beloved Zohar.
Chevruta – The Learning Partner
Night after night, while the village of Okup slept peacefully, Yisraelic and the Reb Moshe sat in the little synagogue by candlelight, learning Torah together...
The Angel of Fire
There was just enough time for the people to get their families and belongings out of their homes. And then every house went up in flames…
The Shepherd’s Flute
In this episode, we learn how Alexei became the loyal servant of the Baal Shem Tov and all about the miracles that happened while tending the sheep...
Shepherd of Israel
A secret letter is sent to Rebbe Geshon in the town of Brody, that the Baal Shem Tov is about to be revealed as the shepherd of Israel…
Alexei’s Merit
The Baal Shem Tov’s students felt a pang of jealousy. Why did Alexei – the non-Jewish shepherd - have the privilege of traveling with the Baal Shem Tov?
Battling the Lion
They stared at their teacher, drenched from his head to his heels; his shoes were torn and had holes in them, as though someone or something bit them with sharp teeth…