I was impressed by the Chabad Magazine editor’s note regarding the
Baal Shem Tov. A man of extraordinary piety and importance who was orphaned at a young age.
My interest was piqued into following the editor’s link to the additional story
and to look it up in the Wikipedia.

What insight into the personal relationship possible with God!

Editor’s Note: On the Very Special Son of Eliezer and Sarah of Okopy
Dear Friend,
With the 18th of Elul afoot, I think about my sweet parents. One of the great blessings of having parents is that it gives us the single best metaphor for our relationship with G‑d.
Heaven protect us, heaven protect everyone, from being orphaned at a young age! Is there any suffering that puts the soul in greater peril of despairing of the presence of G‑d?
To read more go to http://www.chabad.org/magazine