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 weakness and forgetfulness, etc.—as you requested, I will mention you at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, for a noticeable improvement in all the above. Certainly you are keeping the three daily study portions established by my father-in-law—the known 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 study Mishnayos in general and especially Mishnayos by heart. It is good that when you feel tired after studying one subject for a while, you switch to another area of Torah study—as our Sages said: 'in the place his heart desires.' By increasing 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), and as is known from the revealed teachings in the name of the Alter Rebbe from Pesachim 50b: then one rises above the realm of forgetfulness entirely and strengthens one's memory. This is also brought by the Alter Rebbe at the end of section 10 in chapter 2 of his Hilchos Talmud Torah. May Hashem grant you success for long life and good years—to spread the light of Chassidus and its illumination both among those close to you and 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 age details this actually gives extra strength for all the above. The sending of this letter was delayed for a reason. Meanwhile I received your two letters as well as news that you are traveling to 'pleasant pastures' (as explained in Midrash Tehillim end of ch. 23: 'the goodness of the world'), may it be with success materially and spiritually—and as my father-in-law would say: 'A healthy summer.'

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that strengthening memory and health comes through consistent Torah study, reciting Tehillim (especially one's chapter), learning Mishnayos by heart, switching subjects when tired, heartfelt prayer, and spreading Chassidus—thus rising above forgetfulness.