2736 —היתר הלכתי לתפילה וללימוד המשפיע על הבריאות

B"H, 19 Sivan, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vaharaha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moreinu Harav Yehuda Zev Segal

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of the telegram regarding the haraha"ch etc. Moreinu Harav... Concerning what you wrote about the allowance for the above-mentioned to pray and study, and you conclude that perhaps it is permissible through thought: Regarding study, it is possible to suffice with learning by thought since that is the main aspect; however, concerning prayer, one should strive to find him an allowance to pray also verbally and arrange the necessary implements in his room accordingly.

Certainly your honor will be interested in the excerpt of a talk enclosed herewith, and you will act generously regarding others as well.

With blessings for success in your holy work and personal matters.

The letter from Erev Shabbat Parshat Beha'alotecha was received.

* It is not my place to issue a halachic ruling. Nevertheless, I will note several points here: a) There is reason to argue that this does not have the status of m'r (a halachic impurity), since it comes directly from the bladder (via catheter) and not from the organ itself; there is doubt whether immediately upon exiting the kidney it has the status of m'r. b) Even m'r (and even if it flows—see Magen Avraham end of Siman 76) is only rabbinic and does not override Torah obligations nor prayer or tefillin (see Mishnah Berurah at end of Siman). c) Preventing prayer and Torah study etc. will certainly cause weakness of spirit and consequently also weakness of health in the patient; many things have been permitted for this reason (see Choshen Mishpat Siman 254).

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that maintaining spiritual practices like prayer and Torah study is vital for one's well-being. When health concerns arise, one should seek halachic solutions rather than prohibitions, as spiritual deprivation can impact physical health.