RABBI HERSCHEL FINMAN

Special to The Jewish News

R

etracing the steps of the
Baal Shem Toy, we find
an individual who, like
Johnny Appleseed, plant-
ed faith and a sense of spirituality

Rabbi Herschel Finman is a free-

lance Lubavitch rabbi and host of
"The Jewish Hour" radio show on
WPON-1 4 . 60.

Looked upon as a spiritual leader,
miracle worker and mystic, the
founder of the Chasidic movement
left a lasting legacy. Whether direct
descendants of Chasidim or not,
Jews at all levels of observance have
been touched by the wisdom of the
Baal Shem Toy.
Elie \Viesel writes in Souls on
Fire, In the Baal Shem Toy's uni-
verse, no one felt left out."
Chai Elul 5758, Sept. 9, 1998,

marks the 300th birthday of Reb
Yisroel Bal Shem, later known as the
Baal Shem Toy ("Master of the
Good Name").
Our sages tell us that when
someone faints, the Jewish name of
the individual should be called into
their ear. in an attempt to awaken
the soul within them," said Rabbi
Beret Shemtov, director ofl ubavitch
Foundation of Michigan. " the Baal
Shem Toy. named Yisroel, Israel, a

-

name referring to all Jews. Was born
during a tumultuous time for the
world generally, and specifically for
world JeNvm in order to revive the
fainted souls of the Jewish people."
The 30 Years War 1,1618-164S)
annihilated one third of the Euro-
pean 'population. From 1648-49, the
Cossack revolt, led h‘' Hetman Bog
dan Chnielnkki, wiped out half the
Jewish population in 1.;kraine and.
Poland.

6/5

1998

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