{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreif6rpk2oxj3s2rdbzj5gw4t4upxpb7qbmslzny2fomrocreu5er4i",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:thf42bqyqihht5jkntv4hgjo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mn4uem4lrdv2"
  },
  "path": "/2026/05/30/the-baal-shem-tov-and-modern-day-visitors-from-shaar-hanegev/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-31T04:49:53.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.sdjewishworld.com",
  "tags": [
    "Israel",
    "Jewish History",
    "Jewish Religion",
    "Lifestyles",
    "Opinion",
    "San Diego County",
    "Staff and Bylined Contributors",
    "Travel and Food",
    "USA"
  ],
  "textContent": "Before the Baal Shem Tov, Judaism was often centered on texts, scholarship, and institutions. The Baal Shem Tov shifted the focus toward people. He taught that G-d could be found not only in study halls, but also in conversations, melodies, shared meals, acts of kindness, and human connection. [Betzy Lynch]",
  "title": "The Baal Shem Tov and modern-day visitors from Sha’ar HaNegev"
}