chassidus and the Baal Shem Tov

Chassidus

• Baal Shem Tov
  
  

The task of the Baal Shem Tov was to reveal G-d.  

367 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Baal Shem Tov / Alter Rebbe

The Baal Shem Tov revealed a path in how to serve G-d and created the ability to have Mesirus Nefesh (sacrifice) for this.

The Alter Rebbe widened the road of the Baal Shem Tov (so anyone can travel it) and had sacrifice (Mesirus Nefesh) to so do.

In simple words, The Baal Shem Tov showed us how we must serve G-d, and the Alter Rebbe made it attainable.

368 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Baal Shem Tov / Alter Rebbe
  
  

The Baal Shem Tov erected a ladder to Heaven, the Alter Rebbe taught how to climb it.

374 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Chassidim
  
  

The Baal Shem Tov as well as the subsequent Rebbes all were the level of and “reincarnation” of Moses.

(As the Zohar says, there is the reincarnation / revelation of Moses in every generation.)  

While the Baal Shem Tov lived, his Nara”n (lower three soul levels) were accessible, but following His passing, His Chaya, Yechidah (two highest) became accessible.

Every Jew who is connected to our Holy Rebbes, no matter their actual knowledge of Chassidus, has the capacity to be a great light in the strengthening of Judaism and Chassidus, and in putting into practice the Chassidic Minhagim (customs.)

{You can change the world!}

316 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Chassidus
  
  

The Baal Shem Tov and His Disciples, namely our Rebbes revealed the Torah of Chassidus which combines both the revealed and hidden parts of Torah with many explanations;  As well as revealing the inner and true intent of Torah and Judaism (character-improvement etc.) and awaken a G-dly fire in the heart of every Jew.

371 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Chassidus
  
  

The flame of the Baal Shem Tov eternally burns, but one must stand under its fire (to receive its warmth).

279 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Chassidus
  
  

The purpose of the revelation of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid was to pave the way for the revelation of the essence of the inner Torah through the Alter Rebbe.

(Similar to how the Forefathers paved the way for the essential Divine revelation through Moses.)  

355 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Chassidus
  
  

When a person only learns Nigleh (the Talmudic studies, they can delude themselves that their brain is wise, hence as they become self-centered) they seek not the fulfillment of Torah, but rather to find leniencies in the law.

However one who studies Chassidus (the inner dimension / soul of Torah) sees Hashgachah Pratis, the hand of G-d in their life. 

83 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Chassidus – “Medicine”

Even prior to the Baal Shem Tov there were spiritually ill people, but they were unaware.

The Baal Shem Tov and the subsequent Rebbes wrote “medicinal books” describing the maladies and cures!

{As the Rebbe teaches, the cure to all the evil wiles of the Yetzer Hara is found throughout Chassidus.
Here are two “remedy books” based on Chassidus, “Kabbalah-Love – From Fear To Love” and “Meditations From The Tanya.”}

385 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

•  Chassidus – Spread  
  
  

For our generation, the final one before Moshiach, the Baal Shem Tov teaches us that it is Mitzvah to reveal the secrets of the Torah / Chassidus in order to “destroy the thorns from the bushes.”
 
{In other words to get rid of the kelipa (dark side).}

67 Veschanan– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah

•  Chassidus – Study Daily
  
  

Study Chassidus daily, whether a lot or a bit.  

Kesser Shem Tov (Beginning)

• Chassidus = Sensitivity
  
  

The teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, continued through the Holy Rebbes, create sensitivity.  

{It states that three things work: “money” “mashkeh” (alcohol) and “Chassidus.” Money will make you nuts and if you have money but you’re not nuts you need some more : } (of-course today the Rebbe encourages us to do all in our ability to be wealthy for in our time we can use everything only for the good.)
Alcohol will make you drunk and if you had alcohol but are not drunk, you need some more…
And Chassidus will make you Eidel (a refined sensitive person, in contrast to an uncouth, cold or harsh.) And if your learnt Chassidus and you are not Eidel, you need to learn some more!}

336 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Elevating – Nitzoisois
  
  

Not only do we do things for G-d, for example, we eat to have the strength to serve G-d, but in everything we do we elevate the sparks of G-d. 

So when we eat, the intention is to elevate the sparks of Divinity in food – and this applies to every aspect of our lives.

{In everything we engage in, there are Divine sparks and when we use an object for the good, we elevate it.}

Note 160 Breishis – Baal Shem Tov on the Torah

•  G-d’s Voice
  
  

The Baal Shem Tov said that when the Jewish people spiritualize themselves and refine themselves through the holiness of Torah and Mitzvahs, we will consistently hear the voice of G-d speak to us as we heard at Mount Sinai.

{Particularly now in the early stages of Moshiach when it states “I will pour my spirit on all people” this teaching is especially relevant.}   

57 Yisroi– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah

•  Good / Evil
  
  

I heard from my Master the question of the wicked priest, who challenged, “You believe no place is void of G-d… but if you deny idolatry (particularly the idol) it must be G-d is giving it life, so how does this reconcile?”

He replied, that just like a person has an excretory system to rid themselves of waste.

As such there is a system to separate good and evil.

This is similar to how it says, “G-d will take away all the energy and the good in the Satan, and the evil part will fall into the abyss.”

And this is the separation done by “The Knower of Hearts,” to separate between good and evil. 

This is what is meant “All the gods of the nations are idols / nothingness.”

{In other words, do not be to perturbed by evil, as one day it will simply be flushed out!}

Note 8 Yisroi– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah

•  Jew
  
  

The entire purpose of the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings was to reveal what a Jew is.

Beyond all the secrets He revealed, something that great Angels would “die for” is the revelation of the Absolute Infinite Place A Jew Holds In G-d’s Heart.

381 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• Life’s Purpose
  
  

The ultimate goal of the creation of spirit and matter, body and soul, is to convert the body into spirit – and this is what it says, “You shall live with it!”

7 Acharei– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah

•  Nigunim
  
  

The Baal Shem Tov says that Chassidic melodies (the hauntingly beautiful, soul-inspiring Chassidic melodies) are one of the pathways of Chassidus.

{Learn and sing the Chassidic melodies – many are available on Chabad.org.}

219 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)

• The Baal Shem Tov
  
  

The Alter Rebbe repeated in the name of his Master (the Maggid) “The grandeur (royal dignity) of the Baal Shem Tov was far more prestigious than the greatest Emperor, yet his humility was far humbler than even how a beggar who lives off a garbage dump views himself.”
  

This is the idea that the Divine Light / Oir Ein Sof is “infinitely high and likewise infinitely low.”    

353 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)