The secret revealed: Who was the mysterious teacher of the Baal Shem Tov?
In honor of the 18th of Elul, the amazing figure who taught the founder of Hasidism is revealed, along with how they are directly connected to Moses, Elijah the Prophet, and King David.
With the help of Heaven. On the 18th of Elul, which is commonly called 'Chai Elul', in the year 5458 (1698), a child was born to the couple Rabbi Eliezer and Sarah in their old age. They named him Israel. 26 years later, on the 18th of Elul 5484 (1724), his great teacher, whom we will elaborate on immediately, revealed himself to him. Ten years later, on the 18th of Elul 5494 (1734), he began to act openly and became known as Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. Or as his student, Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, phrased it, on the 18th of Elul the Baal Shem Tov was born three times: in his body, in his soul, and in his spirit. On the 18th of Elul 5705 (1745), the student of his student was born, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, known as the 'Baal HaTanya'.
The Jewish revolution of 'vitality', saturated with emotion and love for Israel, which these great luminaries brought about, and which until their arrival had become legalistic and cold, is well known. They returned the Almighty to the center of Jewish life, based on the concept that a Jew is the center of the Creator's world. In doing so, they paved a new, personal, and emotional axis in the service of the Creator. But the most intriguing detail in the whole story is the teacher and mentor of the Baal Shem Tov. Who is he? This is what the great student of the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, writes:
'Achiyah HaShiloni, who received from Moses our teacher, peace be upon him, was among those who left Egypt, and later in the court of King David, peace be upon him, was the teacher of Elijah the Prophet and the teacher of my master, may his memory be blessed for the life of the world to come' ('Toldot Yaakov Yosef', in Parshat Balak).
Yes, it is quite amazing. But why is it important to update us on the identity of the Baal Shem Tov's teacher? After all, the path of Hasidism has done good for so many Jews. Is that not enough? Well, no. One of the principles that Hasidism instilled is: there is no path without a guide. Various personalities, paths, and Jewish viewpoints, dressed in the guise of miracle workers or spiritual figures, speaking about Kabbalah, the soul, love, and a plethora of beautiful words, are popping up around us like mushrooms after the rain.
The 18th of Elul, the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov and the 'Baal HaTanya', which will occur this coming Monday, is a good time to remember: The Torah is like water, and without a clear tradition that begins with a guide whom prominent sages have laid their hands upon, it is a stagnant pool of water. If it is clear, it is because it is saturated with chlorine. One can splash around in it, but it is not recommended to drink. The teachings of Hasidism are called a 'spring', with a distinct source and a path of flow between spiritual giants. Its waters are pure and clear, and they purify the soul and the world.
