which is a combination of the words Baal Shem Tob. These words form a phrase which means "The Master of The Good Name." He was usually called The Master of the Name, and the idea implied is that he became the master of the living name of God with its mystical and healing power over human ills.

In that remarkable and classic sketch, "The Master of the Name," found in the Dreamers of the Ghetto, Israel Zangwill, the noted writer, has drawn a perfect pen-picture of the famous Wonder Rabbi -- Baal Shem Tob. It is worth while reading by anyone who is interested in the Chasidic movement. We may cull certain facts from this sketch written as an autobiography by a supposed disciple of the Master of the Name. The noted Rabbi who founded Chasidism was the son of a certain Rabbi Israel who lived in Moldavia. Shortly after his marriage, Rabbi Israel was captured by Turkish soldiers during one of their raids, and was brought to Constantinople where he was sold as a slave. Soon he found his way into the palace of the Sultan himself, who became impressed with his unusual power, for it is claimed that Israel was endowed with the gift of prophecy and fortune- telling. It is related that he obtained his freedom in the following manner. The Sultan was anxious to capture a certain city, which had defied his forces for years. He sent for the rabbi, and promised him his freedom if he could advise him successfully as to the capture of the city. The Jewish sage counseled his master to release from prison two thousand of his most dependable convicts and promise them their