Baal Shem Tov Urges a Town to Flee Before Shabbat, Saving Its Jews

A Hasidic story says that one Friday afternoon, after midday and while the townspeople were busy cooking for Shabbat, the Baal Shem Tov sent a messenger telling everyone in the city to flee at once. He himself immediately set out as well, wanting to reach his destination quickly and welcome Shabbat early, as was his custom.

Because he had good horses, he made the journey fast. The road to the river was only one parasang, and he crossed the Dniester and received Shabbat before the others.

The townspeople lingered a little longer at home until they finished straining the soup from the meat, and only then did they run out along the same route. They also crossed the Dniester, but arrived late for Shabbat and had to light their Shabbat candles while crossing. The story says, “Thank God, כולם ניצלו,” meaning everyone was saved.

On Shabbat, bandits came to the town and found no Jews. The article says it is not known whether the event happened in Teluste or Kalmaia, because the Baal Shem Tov later lived in Kalmaia. After the story, the piece turns into a homiletic reflection on the Baal Shem Tov’s teaching that a person can refine character traits by purifying the soul, strengthen inner connection to God, prepare vessels for blessing, and use Shabbat as a special time for spiritual renewal and delight.