Devekut
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Devekut, debekuth, deveikuth or deveikus is a Jewish concept referring to closeness to God. It may refer to a deep, trance-like meditative state attained during Jewish prayer, Torah study, or when performing the 613 commandments. It is particularly associated with the Jewish mystical tradition.
The Hasidic Rebbe Nachman of Breslov inspires a search for deveikut in distanced Jews. The annual Rosh Hashana kibbutz pilgrimage to his grave in Uman Ukraine, attracts many secular seekers of spirituality
Mikveh (Ritual immersion pool) in Bircza, Poland. Hasidic custom encouraged male followers to prepare for daily or Sabbath prayer with immersion for mystical elevation
Hasidism found expression in distinctive Niggunim (ecstatic melodies). Private meditative deveikut niggunim, often in prayer, are usually wordless and bring elevation in worship
Joyous niggunim bring the inspiration of deveikut into action and celebration of Hasidic camaraderie
Baal Shem Tov
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Israel ben Eliezer or Yisroel ben Eliezer, known as the Baal Shem Tov or as the BeShT, was a Jewish mystic and healer who is regarded as the founder of Hasidic Judaism. "Besht" is the acronym for Baal Shem Tov, which means "Master of the Good Name," a term for a holy man who wields the secret name of God.
Gravestone of the Baal Shem Tov in Medzhybizh (before restoration in 2006–2008), inscribed רבי ישראל בעל שם טוב
The Baal Shem Tov's synagogue in Medzhybizh was destroyed by the Nazis and a replica was later built on the site as a museum (photo c. 1915).
The Baal Shem Tov's personal Siddur
1758 Polish tax census of Medzhybizh showing "Baal Shem" in house #95