Baal Shem Tov Quotes

Parshas Bamidbar

Fear Not Scoffers

Shulchan Aruch (code of Jewish law) begins that one should never stop doing good because of people who make fun – we also know that one is meant to be even, in their own homes, “one who walks humbly with God,” says the Baal Shem Tov, a person who in their own home possesses the reverence for God will not fear scoffers.

Confidence

The Gemerah speaks about two jesters who merit Olam Habah – teaches the Baal Shem Tov, there are two jests, for “the righteous person is made fun of,” and the righteous person laughs at the world – he is confident in his Divine path.

Truly Righteous

“The righteous blossom like a date palm,” teaches the Baal Shem Tov, there are two types of Tzaddikim, there is a righteous Tzaddik who continually serves God, and self-develops, however as he affects not others, he is compared to the cedar – indeed his reward is great, but the tree alas, is a barren one; however there is a Tzaddik who is compared to a date palm, for he dedicates his life to making Baleih Teshuva (this is an extension on the concept that “the place of a Baal Teshuva, even a Tzaddik Gamur cannot attain”) for while the former Tzaddik may indeed be great, to compare it to the Baalie Teshuva, and the myriads of souls saved by the latter, is truly incomparable.