This is a life, in stories, of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1700-1760),the founder of Hasidism. The Baal Shem Tov, or the Besht, as he is commonly called, led a revival in Judaism that put love and joy at the centre of religious life and championed the piety of the common folk against the rabbinic establishment. He has been recognized as one of the greatest teachers in Jewish history, and much of what is alive and vibrant in Judaism today, in all denominations, derives from his inspiration. Abraham Joshua Heschel, who was descended from several illustrious Hasidic dynasties, wrote: "The Baal Shem Tov brought heaven to earth. He and his disciples, the Hasidim, banished melancholy from the soul and uncovered the ineffable delight of being a Jew." Shem Tov that captures the essence and Yiddishkeit of chassidut. A fabulous tome for the old and young, for those who are liberal or those who are traditional. Buxbaum's compilation is enjoyable for bedtime reading for adults and children, as well as an outstanding source for scholars and rabbis.' Shamash, February 22, 2006
