Portions of Light - Teachings from the Baal Shem Tov

Teachings of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760) on the Torah and the Jewish festivals, selected from Keter Shem Tov, a work compiled by a prolific Torah giant named R. Aharon of Apta, first published in 1794. An addendum—teachings of the Baal Shem Tov transmitted by the Chabad Rebbes—was added to the 1973 Kehot edition. This was broadened with additional material and rearranged in 1998 and 2004 respectively.

The lessons in this book were chosen with the intent that a novice to Chasidic in-depth analysis will also be able to follow the message, take it to heart, and live with it. Originally appearing in the popular Chayenu weekly study pamphlet, they are presented here as an organized self-standing work.