Review: My First Baal Shem Tov Book
My First Baal Shem Tov Book by Yosef Kaufmann, illustrated by Mira Simon Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Freidele Galya Soban Biniashvili Buy at Hachai In clearly written rhyming verse, My First Baal Shem Tov Book is about the little boy Yisroel, affectionately called Yisrolik, who grows up to become the renowned Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement in the early 18th century. As a child, he learned from his father, “That Hashem is always with him – That there’s nothing else to fear.” This is the message that Yisrolik passes on to the other children as well, in the rhyming refrain that author Yosef Kauffman smoothly incorporates throughout the story. Mira Simon’s illustrations are gentle and breathtaking, especially the ones depicting outdoor scenes. Children will be able to relate to the message of the Baal Shem Tov (which means Master of the Good Name) as the story and illustrations end in contemporary times with fears that are common to many children, s...