Yisrael Ben Eliezer is known as the Baal Shem Tov (ישראל בן אליעזר) or Master of the Good Name. He was a famous rabbi, religious leader and founder of the Hasidic movement. He lived from August 27, 1698 to May 23, 1760 in eastern Europe. He was known for his stories and revitalization of Judaism in the area. Some people refer to the Baal Shem Tov by the Hebrew acronym "Besht" (בשׁט). The Baal Shem Tov did not leave any written works. This was intentional. He believed that the values he was trying to teach could only be transmitted orally.