The Tremble Of Love A Novel Of The Baal Shem Tov [Paperback]

A story inspired by the legendary spiritual master, Rabbi Yisroel ben Eliezar, known as the Baal Shem Tov, who beckoned forth love from the hearts of rag pickers, ruby merchants, midwives and murderers.

Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth, 1707

The villagers of Okup give up on a strange orphan, as hard to tame as the wind. But young Yisroel finds those from whom he cannot hide his unusual healing gifts and rare compassion. His retreat later to tend a remote inn fuels his doubt and his faith; both lead him to embrace the destiny he can neither fathom nor deny.

Seeing sacredness everywhere in women, the children and the poor, in simple actions offered with love, in joy, and even in fear Yisroel is denounced as a fool and a heretic by established authorities. When a ruthless rabbinic leader plots to destroy the irrepressible master and his growing community of followers, and to harm countless others, the Baal Shem Tov appears not to resist until he is summoned to tell the truth to those in power who do not want to hear it.

This rich reimagining of the life of one of history's most revered mystics transports readers back in time to explore the true meaning of power.