3562 —חיזוק הזכרון והבריאות על ידי לימוד תורה ותפלה

B"H, 17 Sivan, 5715. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Rishon LeBehaaloscha, in which you write about your health situation—feeling weak and forgetful, etc.—as you requested, I will mention you at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, of blessed memory, for a noticeable improvement in all the above. Surely you are keeping the three daily study portions established by my father-in-law—the known sections in Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—as well as reciting the chapter of Tehillim corresponding to your age. We have also heard several times from my father-in-law that in such cases it is proper to learn Mishnayos in general and especially Mishnayos by heart. It is good that if you study for a while in one subject and feel fatigued, you should switch to another area of Torah study—as our Sages said: "in a place where his heart desires." By increasing your effort in prayer—meaning awe and love of G‑d—which elevate Torah ever higher (as explained in Zohar and Tikunei Zohar and cited in Tanya chapters 39 and 40), it is already known from Nigleh (the revealed part of Torah) in the name of the Alter Rebbe from Pesachim 50b that then one rises above the realm of forgetfulness entirely and strengthens one's power of memory. This is also brought from what the Alter Rebbe writes at the end of section 10 in his Hilchos Talmud Torah chapter 2. May Hashem grant you success for long life and good years—to spread the light of Chassidus both among those close to you and even among those who are not yet close.

With honor and blessing.

P.S. Enclosed is a copy of my general letter to Tzeirei Agudas Chabad—as written there: youth with feeling are therefore youthful in strength; regarding years specifically this actually strengthens all the above. For some reason sending this letter was delayed. Meanwhile I received your two letters as well as news that you are traveling to Naot Deshe (which Midrash Tehillim at the end of ch. 23 explains as "the goodness of the world"). May it be G‑d's will that it be with much success—using the phrase of my father-in-law: "A healthy summer."

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that strengthening Torah study—especially daily portions and Mishnayos—and heartfelt prayer uplift both spiritual vitality and memory. Even when feeling weak or forgetful, switching areas of learning can help renew energy. Spreading Chassidus brings further blessing.