Enlightened People In Judaism
There are similar traditions of enlightened persons awakening sincere and
worthy seekers in Judaism. Oftentimes Hebrew scriptures speak of a man of God, a prophet,
conveying knowledge, wisdom, or experience of God to a worthy aspirant. For example, Elijah and Elisha.
Elijah gave his mantle to his disciple, Elisha. Both Elijah and Elisha brought people back
to life and, also, faced false prophets victoriously. Elijah and Elisha spent considerable
time in the wilderness perfecting their spiritual faculties and came among men to serve.
Elisha had many disciples during his life.
 Another "awakener" was Baal Shem Tov, the seventeenth-century founder of
modern Hasidism. Many traditions of awakening and enlightenment resulted from the
spiritual work of Baal Shem Tov and his followers. His name means "master of the name
of God," or "master of the good name." Enlightened on a mountain, he
started the Jewish Hasidic tradition of intense prayer, joy, and love. He was called a
wonder rabbi — healing people and turning enemies into friends.
Similarly, Islam has a tradition of...
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