5168 —חוזק בתורה ובמצוות בזמנים של מצוקה

B"H, 28th of Shevat, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Motzaei Shabbos Kodesh, the yahrzeit of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, in which you write that you are unable to fulfill what was written in my previous letters due to many distractions, etc. It is clear and simple that a person’s involvement in Torah and mitzvos is for their own benefit and for the benefit of all those connected to them by family ties and the like. From this it is also understood that if, beyond ordinary needs, one requires additional blessings from Hashem due to extra burdens or troubles, the proper advice is to increase in matters of Torah and mitzvos—not the opposite. This clarifies the rejection of the decision at the start of your letter. It is also clear that this is not a demand from someone for others’ benefit but rather my opinion on how you can improve your current situation; this should suffice.

Regarding what you wrote about seeing some matter of segulah in a book, etc.: stay away from such segulos. Not all people are equal regarding them, nor are all situations alike; not everyone can properly direct or know clearly how or what to do. At the same time, a tried and tested segulah is involvement in Torah and mitzvos, as I have written previously.

May He Who heals all flesh and performs wonders enlighten your eyes regarding all that was said above and send His word for a complete recovery for your mother—may she live long.

Blessings,

In the name of the Rebbe shlita,
Mazkir

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that increasing one's commitment to Torah and mitzvos brings true blessing and healing during times of difficulty, rather than relying on segulos whose effectiveness varies. This approach benefits both oneself and one's loved ones.