Product Review

The Baal Shem Tov’s Conception of Hashgachah Peratis

It is no accident that you have picked up this book. Nothing happens out of mere chance or circumstances.
We have reasons for what we do, but there are also reasons of which we are unaware, deeper patterns whose scope and purpose extend far beyond our individual lives.
Everything - from the fluttering of a leaf in the wind to the decisions that we make - is controlled by G-d’s wisdom and choice.
Through a unique web of interlocking designs, He guides every particular entity in this world and the creation at large to its ultimate purpose. These interweaving patterns are described by the Hebrew term Hashgachah Protis, commonly translated as “Divine Providence.”
Throughout the generations, the Sages of Judaism have endeavored to comprehend and explain the workings of these cosmic patterns. With the revelation of the teachings of Chassidus by the Baal Shem Tov, unique insights penetrated many areas of Jewish thought. Particularly, with regard to Hashgachah Protis, the Baal Shem Tov’s approach enriched our understanding of this Divine patterns of causation and destiny. This book presents several analytical treatises of the Lubavitcher Rebbe which clarify the Baal Shem Tov’s conception of this subject. It compares his approach to the explanations which existed previously in Jewish thought and shows how these theoretical constructs can be applied in our Divine service.