Baal Shem Tov

Yisroel (Israel) ben Eliezer (born circa 1700, died 22 May 1760), often called Baal Shem Tov or Besht, was a Jewish mystical rabbi. He is considered to be the founder of Hasidic Judaism.

Quotes

• Do not think that by worshipping with deveikut you are greater than another. You are like any other creature, created for the sake of His worship, blessed be He. God gave a mind to the other just as He gave a mind to you. What makes you superior to a worm? The worm serves the Creator with all its mind and strength! Man, too, is a worm and maggot, as it is written "I am a worm and no man." (Psalms 22:7) If God had not given you intelligence you would not be able to worship Him but like a worm. Thus you are no better than a worm, and certainly [no better] than [other] people. Bear in mind that you, the worm and all other small creatures are considered as equals in the world. For all were created and have but the ability given to them by the blessed Creator. Always keep this matter in mind.
  • The testament of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, translated by Jacob Immanuel Schochet (Brooklyn: Kehot Publication Society, 1998), ch. 12.

• Amalek is still alive today … Every time you experience a worry or doubt about how God is running the world – that's Amalek launching an attack against your soul. We must wipe Amalek out of our hearts whenever – and wherever – he attacks so that we can serve God with complete joy.
  • Quoted in "The Song That Transformed Amalek" by Libi Astaire (25 December 2007).