Baal Shem Tov
A soul can come down into this world for seventy-eighty years just to do a favor for another.
Reb Israel Baal Shem was born on 18 Elul 5458 (1698) in a small Polish town. Little Israel was orphaned at the tender age of five. His father’s last words were, “Yisrolik, fear nothing save the Creator alone.” The little boy went on to become the greatest leader of his generation and the founder of Chassidism, placing particular emphasis on innocent service to the creator, divine providence, and the inner-dimensions of Torah. In 5520 (1760), on the first day of Shavuot, the holy Baal Shem Tov elevated his soul to its creator.
Heartwarming Chassidic Stories and Melodies
Join Rabbi Jacobson in this intimate setting and experience the warmth and soul expressed — like nowhere else — in Chassidic stories and songs.
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A Day that Changed the World
Discover how we can access the intimate power of the spirit to transform virtually every aspect of our lives.
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All This Talk About Man
Learn about the different levels of the world, allowing space for human existence in a world created and governed by an infinite G/d.
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Holy Hand, Warm Heart
If a single motion from a righteous hand can change a life, how much more so his memory can change the world.
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The Rain of Peace
The dimensions of the rainy and sunny seasons of the Jewish calendar are explored in correlation to the birth of Chabad Chassidism, which is linked to Kislev, the third month of the “Season of Rains.”
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Korach: Telling the Story
Simon Jacobson introduces Dr. Elie Wisel at the 2nd Annual Gershon Jacobson Memorial Lecture, a moving Holocaust tribute…
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The World as You
It was with bitterness in their hearts that the Children of Israel received their inheritance, and those feelings seeped into the gift.
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An Eye and a Sigh
A story of two devoted neighbors, one living a spiritual life and the other a material one, and their surprising judgments at death.
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Accommodations
A story of the Baal Shem Tov on one of his travels who would rather be a guest in the home of a sinner than in the home of a learned, yet egotistical person
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Beyond Paradise
A story about the Baal Shem Tov and his quest to reach the Holy Land, his nearly failed Passover, and the stranger who changed everything.
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Fire and Ice
Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch relayed the following story at a farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) with his chassidim
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Pushcart Prophet
A lesson in the form of a story about truthfully evaluating one’s life and recognizing areas that need improvement.
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The Soul Throws a Party
Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shemtov explains to us, through parable, the importance of being joyful on the most spiritual day of the week, Shabbat.
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Equestrian Illusions
A telling story about the origin of the melody sung by the Lubavitcher rebbes on the first night of Rosh Hashanah.
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Smorgasbord
The Baal Shem Tov teaches us about the importance of perseverance in our spiritual pursuits and our dynamic relationship with G-d.
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Three Lovers of Israel
Three great Chassidic leaders were famous for their ahavat yisrael (“love of a fellow Jew”): Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, and Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov.
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The Years of his Youth
Not only did Abraham rush to fulfill the divine will with speed and alacrity, he also brought all the energy, passion and commitment of his youth to the deed.
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A Matter Of Perspective
There was never enough to eat in Reb Zusha’s home, and his family was beset with all sorts of afflictions and illnesses. Yet the man was forever good-humored and cheerful, and constantly expressing his gratitude to the Almighty for all His kindness.
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G-d Runs the World
The youngest of the Maggid’s disciples, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, then spoke. “If I were in G-d’s place,” said he, “I would run the world exactly as He does.”
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Personal Transformation
The Torah basis for personal transformation: You can and must use your past misdeeds for the sake of personal transformation. Essay by Rabbi Simon Jacobson.
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The Revelation: Stories of the Baal Shem Tov
Stories and teachings handed down from Rebbe to Rebbe beginning with the founder of Chassidism, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760).
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Emor: How to Speak
Passionate faith can spill over into dogma and intolerance. We must be vigilant that the path of faith should be saturated with love and inspiration.
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Pesach: Do You Believe in Miracles
The Baal Shem Tov offers us a novel interpretation of a miracle, and in the process turns the entire concept on its head. We learn how each of us can recognize – and create – miracles in our lives.
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Shemot: I Am a Child and Believe
No matter how old you are, each of us has our inner child intact. Nothing can be healthier than getting – and staying – in touch with your child, with your own innocent essence, and allowing it to inform all your giluim, your defined experiences, expressiond and faculties.
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Nasoh: Balance
Understanding tiferet (balance) in Parshat Nasoh: balance between spirit & matter; body & soul; and love (chesed) & discipline (gevurah) in relationships.
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Behar: How Do I Find a True Rabbi? Part 2
In part two of the answer to how one finds an authentic educator, Rabbi Simon Jacobson tells a personal story and discusses the shortcomings of modern education.
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