18 Elul: The Birth of Chassidus

The 18th of Elul marks the birthday of two “great luminaries,” the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidism and the Alter Rebbe who founded the Chabad movement.

When the Alter Rebbe was born, the Baal Shem Tov exclaimed, “A new soul has descended to illuminate the world.”

As the Rebbe explained, a “new soul”—untainted by sin—emanates pristine and brilliant divine light, not only enlightening others, but permeating them, and transforming them into powerful sources of light as well.

In honor of Chai Elul, JEM presents a playlist of beautiful videos related to this special day.