Refuah Through Action—Spiritual and Medical

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5431
Baruch Hashem, the 6th day of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn.

Addressed to HaRav HaChossid, Morenu Meir שי׳ Gurkov. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes in response to his letter dated on the birthday of the Rebbe Maharash, the 2nd of Iyar. He states that at an auspicious time he will mention Mrs. [name omitted], for long life, at the holy tziyun of his father-in-law, the Rebbe, with all the titles.

The Rebbe adds that she is surely under the care of qualified medical professionals. He advises that they should investigate whether the newer medicines and treatment methods recently being used in America are being considered in her case. The Rebbe notes that these treatments have shown success and are presumably known as well to physicians in England.

Alongside the medical guidance, the Rebbe suggests several spiritual steps: that the husband’s tefillin be checked, that the mezuzos in their home be inspected, and that the wife give tzedakah before lighting candles on every Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov.

The Rebbe then offers a deeper perspective. Since the husband asked that a request be brought to the Rebbe, this itself is by Divine Providence. The Rebbe writes that he is not a doctor, nor was his father a doctor. Therefore, if someone turns to him in such a matter, there must also be a spiritual dimension that calls for attention.

The Rebbe explains that the added response should be an increase in matters of Chabad Chassidus. Regarding all Torah study, our sages teach that great is learning because it leads to action. How much more so with Chassidus, whose teachings emphasize that every idea learned must lead to practical refinement and growth.

Therefore, the practical conclusion in this case is not only to increase fixed times for learning Chassidus, but also to strengthen observance of its guidance and customs in daily life.

The Rebbe expresses confidence that Rabbi Gurkov will find the proper words to explain all of this in a way that will be well received.

He concludes with blessings for good news.

The message of the letter is striking and characteristic: while fully valuing professional medical treatment, the Rebbe also directs attention to spiritual growth, mitzvos, and deeper inner strengthening, turning even a request for blessing into an opportunity for added Torah and holiness.