University of Virginia Library

ISRAEL ben Eliezer Ba'al Shem Tov (1700-1760):

founder of HASIDISM in Eastern Europe. In the mid-1730s he revealed himself as a HEALER and LEADER of a movement which grew rapidly. Folk-tales about his life and teachings show his personal charm, and magnetism, and ecstatic personality. He advocated DEVOTIONAL JOY and contributed greatly to the revitalization of JUDAISM.