Teachings of The Ba’al Shem Tov, Mezritcher Maggid and The Alter Rebbe

These words of Moshiach are understood to mean that when the teachings of the Ba’al Shem Tov—his new path of Chasidism and Chasidic teaching—will be disseminated to the widest and furthest arena, then the world will be ready for the ultimate redemption.

The Baal Shem Tov began the sacred mission of teaching and spreading his wellsprings of Divine wisdom. His disciple, Reb Dovber, the Maggid of Mezritch, continued this holy work, deepening and expanding the teachings he had received. The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, a beloved and distinguished student of the Maggid, developed a new and distinct expression of Chassidism, founding the Chabad movement. Through Chabad Chassidus, he carried forward the Baal Shem Tov’s wellsprings, turning them into a path that could be grasped and internalized by the human mind, enabling one to understand and feel their innate connection to Torah and to G-d, as first illuminated by his esteemed teachers—the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid.

In one talk, the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, highlighted the importance of learning the Torah of these three luminaries.

It is difficult to reveal [the following information (presumably, because of this being a hidden and personal conduct of his father. Chayenu Ed.)], but because of Ahavas Yisrael, love for a fellow Jew, and love of G-d, I cannot withhold it.

My esteemed father (R. Shalom Dov Ber, the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe), would frequently open and look inside these three books: Keser Shem Tov (which includes the Ba’al Shem Tov’s teachings. Chayenu Ed.), Ohr Torah (which includes the mezritcher Magid’s teachings. Chayenu Ed.) and Tanya (which includes the Alter Rebbe’s teachings. Chayenu Ed.).

My father did not want this to become known, so he kept it in the drawer of his table… He would look in it before he would have private audiences (yechidus) with his followers, before he would pray, and before he would recite the Shema before going to bed. How much he studied from it, a page, a few lines, or a short passage, I don't know. But I do know that he opened them and learned something.

It is important and proper that Chasidim should have in their possession these three books (Keser Shem Tov, Ohr Torah and Tanya)…. Study from them as much as one desires, but one should learn from them. Each day, or at least on Shabbat and Jewish festivals, and at designated times.

Insights translated by Rabbi Motti Wilhelm.

In this section of Chayenu, offered exclusively here on Chayenu.org, we will share Pearls of wisdom on the Parsha of the week, from each of these teachers and masters.

May we merit to spread the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov ever farther, bringing them to the widest reaches. May this bring unity to all of Klal Yisroel, and may we merit the immediate arrival of Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

Thank you, Mrs. Alana Yakovlev, for your involvement in this project and for your generous support of this work. May you be blessed with much nachas and success in all your endeavors.