Baal Shem Tov, R. Israel

“Where your thoughts are,” the Baal Shem Tov would say, “there you are, all of you.” If so, the last place you want your thoughts to be is wallowing in past sins. אל ירבה בדקדוקים יתירים בכל דבר שעושה, שזה כוונת היצר הרע לעשות לאדם מורא שמא אינו יוצא בדבר...

This is truly revolutionary: G‑d is not found in purity and innocence alone. G‑d is found in the struggle itself, in the very act of wrestling with one’s basest instincts. That too is a moment to celebrate—perhaps the greatest moment to celebrate. Suddenl...

Everything must begin with awe; everything must lead to joy. One who feels awe and stops there lives in torment. One who feels joy without awe loses that joy within the snare of ego. It may seem ironic, even paradoxical, but it is in the realization of ou...

Everything must begin with awe; everything must lead to joy. One who feels awe and stops there lives in torment. One who feels joy without awe loses that joy within the snare of ego. It may seem ironic, even paradoxical, but it is in the realization of ou...

Intuitively, the reaction to disturbing thoughts and erotic fantasies is to chastise oneself, to cause oneself psychological pain. The Baal Shem Tov rejected this path. Rather than wrestling with the dirt head on, he provided a path that soars high above....

How does simplicity express itself in daily life? It is reflected in earnest sincerity. How is it preserved? By purity of the body and dissolution of the ego, through immersion in pure waters. How is it sustained? With joy. קודם כל יזהר בכל תנועה ותנועה ב...

How does simplicity express itself in daily life? It is reflected in earnest sincerity. How is it preserved? By purity of the body and dissolution of the ego, through immersion in pure waters. How is it sustained? With joy. יחשוב שהבורא מלא כל הארץ כבודו,...

All the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings are one. They are neither a collection nor a synthesis, but a single jewel with countless facets. At their core lies an unspeakable essence that transcends all and yet pervades all—including the smallest details of life. ...

If all suffering and other issues for which one should pray will disappear with the times of the Mashiach, what will happen to prayer itself?

Jewish mystical masters emphasize viewing others in a positive light.