Yoel Baal Shem

Yoel Baal Shem was an Orthodox Jewish scholar of Halacha and Kabbalah who lived in Zamość during the 17th century. He became renowned as a Baal Shem for performing miracles, commanding demons and authoring Kabalistic amulets.

Background Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880–1950) writes in his memoirs

Teachings and legacy

Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem (I) was initiated by his teacher Rabbi Elijah Baal Shem into a group of nistarim known as Machane Yisrael. He was the teacher of Rabbi Adam Baal Shem of Ropczyce who instructed Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov in Kabbalah.

Stories and teachings of Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem (I) can be found in various kabbalistic sefarim, and Toldos Adam which earned the imprimatur of his grandson, Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem (II), the son of Uri.

Rabbi Yeshaya Heilprin, son of Yoel Helprin (II), was also a kabbalist and expert in kabbalistic amulets.