The first day of Shavuot this year – Sivan 6, 5770 - May 19, 2010 – marks the 250th anniversary of passing of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of the chassidic movement.

Through his teachings – and perhaps even more so through his passionate love – the Baal Shem Tov permanently transformed the Jewish landscape. Forevermore changed was the Jewish perspective on G-d, the Torah, the Jewish nation, and every one of G-d’s creations—and the essential unity within all these previously-thought-to-be disparate components.

Editor's Picks:

• The Baal Shem Tov's 16th Birthday (Story) From the writings of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch
• The Baal Shem Tov's Approach to Joy How and why to be happy at all times, under all circumstances
• Revolution Did the Baal Shem Tov teach us something new?