The Baal Shem Tov. His life and legacy. (5772/2011) 19 classes

This is a new series that will IY”H review all of the details known about the Rabbeiim. Given at Chovevei Torah.

Lecture One. Neshama of the Baal Shem Tov, Eliyahu Hanavi tests his father, birth and early years. His father’s will and death. The lonely years, He meets and joins up with the hidden Tzadikim.

Lecture Two. The Great plan to reverse the ills affected by Chmelenicii’s pogroms: 1) Help with Parnassa (livelihood), 2) Help with Melamdim (tutors), 3) Raise the people’s spirits.

Lecture Three. 1) His Hidden years, 2) His Marriage, 3) His Children.

Lecture Four. The Baal Shem tov’s meeting his master Achiya HaShiloni, they learn for exactly ten years and the Baal Shem Tov is then forced to reveal himself.

Lecture Five. The history of Kabbala, Moshe, the Neviim, Anshei Kneses Hagedola(‘s shift to a center of Halacha and Nigla), RaShBi, the later trickle of Kabbala, Rediscovery of the Zohar, the arguments over her authenticity, The three giants: 1) Rav Meir ben Gabbai, Rav Moshe Cordoviru (the “RAMAK”), Arizal

Lecture Six. 1) The three great codifiers of kabbala: Reb Meir ben Gabbai (Avodas Hakodesh), The Ramak (Pardes Rimonim and more), and The Arizal (Eitz Chayim, Shmone’ Sheurim etc.). The use of Kabala Maasis. 2) The story of Reb Yosef Yuzfa, and the birth of his son Reb Eliyahu Baal Shem. The three later baalei sheim culminating with reb Yisroael Baal Shem Tov.

Lecture Seven. The philosophy of Chassidus (1). 1) Elokus is everything and everything is Elokus, 2) Emunas Tzadikim. Then two philosophies to this: Chabad and Chagas.

Lecture Eight. The philosophy of Chassidus (2). Rachamana Liba Baii.The sincerity that the Baal Shem Tov celebrated above all else. Anashim Pshutim.

Lecture Nine. The philosophy of Chassidus (3). 1) Simcha, 2) Azov Taazov Imo. Looking after your physical health, 3) The preciousness of the Yiddisher Neshama.

Lecture Ten. The philosophy of Chassidus (4). The world. Chassidus’ view of the creation (world): 1) Hashem creates the world ex nihilo every instant, [and is not only creating Yesh MiYesh] and, 2) there therefore is Hashgacha Protis, and that 3) Every detail in the creation and its’ Hashgacha touches the central purpose of the entire creation.

Lecture Eleven. The philosophy of Chassidus (5). How special is a Jew. Some stories.

Lecture Twelve. The philosophy of Chassidus (6). Torah and Tefilla as they are enlightened and inspired by Chassidus and the Baal Shem Tov’s derech.

Lecture Thirteen. The philosophy of Chassidus (7). Two points: 1) Mitzvos according to Chassidus, 2) Simcha as a yesod in Chassidus.

Lecture Fourteen. 1) The Baal Shem Tov reveals himself in spite of his objections, 2) The Toldos Yaakov Yosef, 3) The holy Magid (5773/2012-13).

Lecture Fifteen (Missing).

Lecture Sixteen. 1) Misnagdim to the Baal Shem Tov (The Noda BiYehuda and the Vilner Gaon), 2) The Orach Chayim HaKadosh and the Baal Shem Tov., 3) The letter about aliyas haNeshama and Yafutzu Maayanosecha chutza.

Lecture Seventeen. 1) Tha Baals Shem Tov and Eretz Yisroel; 2) His Travels 3) and meeting all types of Yidden; 4) Stories.

Lecture Eighteen.

Lecture Nineteen. The Baal Shem Tov’s histalkus, his son’s succession, the weakening of Chassidus, the first Yahrtzeit the leadership, passes to the holy maggid, and he reverses the weakening trend.