The Baal Shem Tov’s Divine Customs
December 12, 2024
Divine Customs
- Chassidic Customs
The customs of the Baal Shem Tov are traditions from Moses. When Moses was in Heaven to receive the Torah, all the Angels and the holy Sefiros gave him gifts and customs, both general and specific.
The Baal Shem Tov had Mesirus Nefesh (sacrifice) to make these customs that pertain to the Jewish people become a part of the Chassidic tradition, and we will greet Moshiach with them!
252 Kesser Shem Tov (The Rebbes)
- Chodosh
The Baal Shem Tov asked in Heaven while in a dream if one still needs to be careful to not eat chodosh. They replied, “When the Ba”ch passed, they cooled the fires of hell for forty days.”
This shows how great he was (and He writes that it is not an issue.)
4 Emor– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah
- Kosher, Shabbos, Mikvah
Eating kosher food, keeping Shabbos, and women going to the mikvah is what establishes the entire universe!
18 Yisroi– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah
- Melaveh Malka
It is said in the name of the Baal Shem Tov that one should eat garlic during Melaveh Malka.
51 Yisroi– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah
- Mezuzah Case
The Baal Shem Tov taught that it’s better to not use a metal case for the Mezuzah. This is similar to the fact that for the Mizbeach / Altar (in Beis Hamikdosh) metal was not used (for the source of blessing / life should not be created with the cause of death / destruction; and in the Shemah which is in the Mezuzah its written “So your life shall be lengthened.”)
85 Veschanan– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah
- Mikvah
The Baal Shem Tov merited His incredible high level due to the many times He would go to the Mikvah!
219 Kesser Shem Tov
- Mikvah – Meditations
Males should ensure to go to the Mikvah every Friday (Erev Shabbos) before Shabbos.
One should do Teshuvah before going to the Mikvah.
When a person goes into the Mikvah, he should think while he’s inside that the name Adnay and Malchus is the secret of speech, and the name Havayah is Zeir-Anpin – the secret of voice.
And the name Eh-yeh is the secret of thought.
The roof of the Mikvah corresponds to the name Eh-yeh.
The four walls of the Mikvah correspond to the four letters of G-d’s name Havayeh. And the floor of the mikvah corresponds to Adnay.
And these three names together have the Roshei Teivois (acronym) of Yaboi”k – which is the Rashei Teivois of “Yichud,” “Brocho,” and “Kedusha.”
And one should meditate to ask from G-d that you should be able to accept the holiness of purity of thought, speech, and voice.
And if one has these thoughts / contemplation, then as it says, “A Tzaddik can fall seven times to the ground, He will get up.”
Even if you go backwards seven steps, G-d will forgive and heal you, and create a new bond with you that will never break!
And then to your soul will come a great spirituality.
11 Yisroi– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah
- Mikvah – Men Daily
Action (for men):
See to it that you go to Mikvah daily, especially when you are in need of Divine assistance.
Introduction – Kesser Shem Tov
- Mikvah, Altruism, Joy
Three Principles:
Ensure that all your service to G-d is idealistic and not selfishly biased.
One must be exceptionally smart to achieve this very difficult objective.
As such, one must continually bear it in mind and not even briefly forget about it. (Namely to always serve G-d altruistically, and not selfishly biased.)
In addition, be careful to go to the Mikvah every day (this refers to men) and do the Mikvah meditations.
And in conclusion – distance yourself from sadness and happily serve G-d.
15 Tzavaas Harivash
- Onion
The Baal Shem Tov was careful to not eat raw onion.
46 Yisroi– Baal Shem Tov on The Torah
- Tisha Bav
On Shabbos Chazon (the Shabbos before Tisha B’av) even if it occurs on Tisha B’av, it is our custom to have a regular Shabbos (in terms of good food etc.) At the third meal, it is our custom to eat with the whole family – and to eat fish and meat…
Those who follow the way of the Baal Shem Tov so do.
Megilas Eicha 1 Baal Shem Tov on The Torah