Joel Ba‘al Shem Heilprin

Also known as Joel Ba‘al Shem Tov, Joel ben Uriah Ba‘al Shem Heilprin lived in Zamosńcń. Although he did not hold a rabbinic post, he was considered a scholar; he also possessed some knowledge of secular disciplines. His reputation spread throughout Poland and reached Germany and Palestine as well. Heilprin was later mentioned by Solomon Maimon, who tried to provide a rational explanation of Heilprin’s miraculous cures. He also wrote an approbation for Netsaḥ Yisrael by Israel Zamosńcń, a friend of his. He gave approval to various books of segulot (magical remedies) and was considered an authority in the field. He wrote two books, both of which offer magical solutions to a limited range of health problems. His Mifa‘lot Elohim (The Works of God), an alphabetic work consisting of 452 entries, tackles a broader range of issues and includes a range of amulets and magical formulas.