The Simple Folk

The Baal Shem Tov loved all Jews. He would invite the simple folk to eat with him on the Sabbath and holidays. His brilliant disciples and the many scholars who also sat at the table could not understand why the Baal Shem Tov showered so much attention on these people.

Knowing how the scholars felt, the Baal Shem Tov once said: "You are surprised that I should favor the simple people? It is true that they have not learned as much as you; some of them even do not know the meaning of the prayers they recite every day. But their hearts are made of gold. They love humanity and all of G-d's creatures. They are humble and honest. How I envy them! I will show you soon that I have not exaggerated."