Baal Shem Tov, on friendship
To pull a friend out of the mire, do not hesitate to get dirty.

Suggested Discussion Questions:

1. People often only want to help others when it will not come at any personal cost. How does the Baal Shem Tov's philosophy on this differ?

2. Whom are we obligated to help even though it may come at a cost to us? Why?

3. How can this text be understood in a globalized society?

Time Period: Modern (Spinoza through post-WWII)