עריכת הדף "משתמש:י נעוולער/The Baal Shem Tov" (פסקה)

===Birth===
The Baal Shem Tov's parents, Rabbi Eliezer and Sarah had no children for many years. They were well-to-do and often hosted guests.

Once a guest arrived very late on a Friday afternoon wearing weekday clothes, and Rabbi Eliezer invited him into his house and honored him. According to a different version of the story, the guest arrived on Shabbos after the meal, and Rabbi Eliezer hosted him even though it seemed he had violated the Shabbos by traveling beyond the distance permitted by Halacha. The other guests objected, but Rabbi Eliezer continued to honor him.i

On Sunday afternoon Rabbi Eliezer accompanied the mysterious guest for the beginning of his journey. The guest then revealed to him that he was none other than Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah the Prophet) who had come to test him. Since he had passed the test, he would be blessed with a son. Elyahu then gave him a message that he was to give over to his son at two and a half.i

Shortly afterward, on the 18th of Elul 5458, the couple had a son who they named Yisroel.i