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| Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov |
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| The Baal Shem Tov Foundation |
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 The
fundamental purpose of the Baal Shem Tov Foundation is to spread the teachings
of the Baal Shem Tov through the world in order to bring the Moshiach. This
idea is supported in the letter (known as the Epistle
among Chassidim) from the Baal Shem Tov to Gershon Kitover. To accomplish this
task as quickly and easily as possible, I propose the following program.
Initially, groups of scholars will begin to gather and catalog all information
about the Baal Shem Tov. This will be inclusive of both spiritual teachings and
historical documentation. Moreover, the scholars will begin translating the
material as needed. All of this material will be posted on and available
without charge from baalshemtov.com. Also, these scholars will be available to
conduct classes and answer questions in their area of expertise though the
agency of the Internet. |
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A Baal Shem Tov Center will
be established, presently in the Cleveland area, with a group of Rabbis and
others to develop and implement special projects designed to spread the Baal
Shem Tov's
 teachings worldwide. These special projects are now conceived as
placing strong emphasis on the arts, i.e. music, drama, storytelling, and
painting to transmit the message of the Baal Shem Tov. It is believed that
music is a most important component of transmitting the message into the soul.
Therefore, programming will emphasize each person's development of musical
ability. |
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| The Center will also train
and place specially trained teachers into Jewish schools with a large operating
budget to teach students to use musical instruments, to sing and dance, and
perform music all relating to stories and teachings of the Baal Shem Tov.
Basically, the programming would emphasize playing instruments and doing art
work of any kind to transmit the message of the Baal Shem Tov. Naturally there,
would be contests and generous rewards. |
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The Center will operate a
cable station to broadcast aspects of the previously mentioned work in
conjunction with other studies including Chumash, Tanya,
Siddur, Rambam, Laws of Shabbos and Yom Tov, and Mezuzah. These subjects are to
increase the knowledge base of our Jewish brethren and will be taught with an
emphasis of serving Hashem with a Joyful Attitude (Simcha) in accordance with
the most fundamental teaching of the Baal Shem Tov. |
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| The Baal Shem Tov Center
will also focus on promoting and running the World Wide Mezuzah Campaign
initiated on August 31, 1998 in the memory of the sweetest soul whose loss is
felt very deeply by many inquiring souls, Rabbi Dovid Blank ben Chana, he
should be remembered for blessing. The goal of the campaign is for every Jew in
the world to have a Mezuzah on their door. This will unite all Jews together as
one soul family in preparation for the revelation of the Moshiach. |
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To date, the Baal Shem Tov
Foundation is incorporated in Ohio as a non-profit and has received Recognition
and Exemption under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Also, the
Baalshemtov.com web site is up and running and a web site to promote the World
Wide Mezuzah Campaign (mezuzah.net ) is under construction. The purpose and
thrust of the Mezuzah.net site will to be the most authoritative source for any
information relating to Mezuzahs. This includes sources, laws, education,
worldwide use statistics, and all up to date information which other Mezuzah
Jews (those Jews that have Mezuzahs) will find of interest.
Further, the Executive Director of the Baal Shem Tov Foundation has traveled to
Ukraine to visit the grave site of the Baal Shem Tov and to sing the
The Baal Shem Tov Blues. The music entitled
The
Ancient Hebrew Lore Living Judaismbelongs to the Foundation and will be
promoted to raise funds for the Foundation and most importantly to spread the
message of the Baal Shem Tov. |
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| We at the Foundation look
forward to others joining us in this great, holy endeavor of joining with other
Jews worldwide both on the Internet as well as by the spiritual connection
through the mezuzah.net, i.e. having a mezuzah up by your door, to increase the
flow of spiritual Mezuzah power into our Jewish soul family so that we can have
the strength to lead the changing of world consciousness to Moshiach
Consciousness, the golden age all mankind eagerly awaits. |
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Howard M. Cohn
Executive Director of the Baal Shem Tov
Foundation
21625 Chagrin Blvd., Suite
220
Cleveland Ohio, 44122
cohn@baalshemtov.com |
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