BAAL SHEM TOV, ISRAEL BEN ELIEZER (BESHT; ISRAEL BEN ELIEZER)

(1700-60)

   Polish spiritual leader, founder of Hasidism. He was born in Podolia and lived in the Carpathian mountains. He emerged as a healer and spiritual leader and travelled about curing the sick and expelling demons and evil spirits. In the course of these journeys his influence grew. Prayer rather than study was his major approach to God. He attracted many followers and has remained the inspiration for Hasidim to the present day.