Baal Shem Tov

v. 1698-1760 18th century

Fervent prayer: to enter with one's whole being into every word addressed to God.

Who was Baal Shem Tov?

A Jewish master of Podolia, called 'the Master of the Good Name,' he founded Hasidism, a movement of renewal in prayer among the poor villages of Eastern Europe. He taught that God is met in joy and fervour, and that no soul, however lowly, is too small to pray.

In their own words

In everything there is a spark of the divine.

Reported teachings (Hasidic tradition)

Forgetfulness leads to exile; remembrance is the secret of redemption.

Attributed to the Baal Shem Tov (tradition)