Kesser Shem Tov: Collected Teachings of Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov — Annotated Hebrew Text with Elucidated English Translation Hardcover – March 24, 2026

The first annotated FULL English edition of the Kesser Shem Tov (כתר שם טוב) — the earliest published collection of the teachings of Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov (1698–1760), founder of the Chassidic movement.Originally published in Zalkevo in 1794, the Kesser Shem Tov ("Crown of the Good Name") preserves the Baal Shem Tov's profound teachings on Torah, prayer, divine service, and the inner life of the soul — compiled from the writings of his foremost disciples. This landmark edition makes these foundational Chassidic teachings accessible to the English-speaking world for the first time in a comprehensive, annotated format.Features of this edition:105 teachings spanning the full range of the Baal Shem Tov's thought: mystical Torah interpretation, Kabbalistic insights, practical guidance in prayer and character refinement, and vivid parablesPhrase-by-phrase annotated translation — the original vocalized Hebrew text presented alongside a faithful, elucidated English renderingScholarly introductions to each teaching, identifying the central theme, Torah basis, Kabbalistic framework, and practical applicationExplanatory notes clarifying Kabbalistic terminology, identifying sources, and tracing the spiritual logic of each teachingDetailed footnotes with full source citations to Talmud, Zohar, Midrash, Rishonim, and Kabbalistic literatureIndex of Sources (Mafteiach Mareh Mekomos) organized by category: Tanach, Talmud Bavli, Midrash, Rishonim, Kabbalah (Zohar, Tikkunei Zohar, Eitz Chaim), and ChassidusSubject Index covering Kabbalistic concepts, practical avodah themes, and Chassidic principlesBiographical sketch of the Baal Shem TovKabbalistic terms transliterated with parenthetical English definitions on first useThis edition is based on the original 1794 Zalkevo printing.Published by Aryeh Press. Read more