Baal Shem Tov
![Variations of this portrait are popularly used to represent Israel Baal Shem Tov. Actually, it depicts Rabbi Falk, the Baal Shem of London.[11]](/Images/godic/202412/22/Besht3920.jpg")
![A well just outside Medzhybizh thought to be hand-dug by the Baal Shem Tov himself. It still produces fresh water.](/Images/godic/202412/22/Besht_well_20063920.JPG")
![The Baal Shem Tov’s personal Siddur (now in Chabad library archive #1994).](/Images/godic/202412/22/Besht_Siddur3921.jpg")
![Exterior of the Baal Shem Tov’s synagogue in Medzhybizh, circa 1915. This shul no longer exists, having been destroyed by the Nazis. However, an exact replica was erected on its original site as a museum.](/Images/godic/202412/22/Besht_Shul1_Medzhibozh3921.jpg")
Rabbi Yisroel (Israel) ben Eliezer (born circa 1700, died: 6 Sivan 5520, 22 May 1760), (Hebrew:רבי ישראל בן אליעזר) often called Baal Shem Tov (/ˌbɑːl ˈʃɛm ˌtʊv/ or /ˌtʊf/) or Besht, was a Jewish mystical rabbi. He is considered to be the founder of Hasidic Judaism (see also Mezhbizh Hasidic dynasty).