Rabbi Israel the Baal Shem Tov, famous 18th century Orthodox Jewish philosipher and founder of the spiritual Chassidic movement in Orthodox Judaism, the Orthodox Jews who believe in spiritualism and emotion in prayer.
18th Century Chassidic Tale
A student once asked the Baal Shem Tov, 'why is it that sometimes we feel Hashem's presence strongly, but other times we do not feel it at all?" The Baal Shem Tov answered, "Just as a parent supports the child, as when learning how to walk, and slowly provides less and less support as the child learns to walk on its own, such is Hashem's way with us."
He is a huge religious figure in MANY 18th Century Chassidic Tales. Said to be brilliant and incredibly spiritual.
Oh yeah, and according to a family legend, I am descended from him through my mother's father's father's father. Yeah, awesome, right?
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