Blessing for Health and Spiritual Practice

Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15, letter number 5,446. Baruch Hashem, the 14th day of Iyar, 5716, Brooklyn. To Yosef Levi Shaga from Montreal. Shalom u’vracha.

The Rebbe writes that he is responding to the writer’s letter and pidyon nefesh, in which he described the condition of his health.

The Rebbe says that at an auspicious time he will mention him at the holy tziyun of his father-in-law, the Rebbe, with all the titles, for improvement in his health and for long days and good years.

Included in the blessing for good years is the deepest form of goodness: true nachas and joy from one’s children and descendants, may they live. A good life is measured not only in years, but in the blessing and fulfillment one experiences from future generations.

The Rebbe then writes that it is known that his father-in-law, the Rebbe, instructed many people that as they grow older they should study Mishnayos by heart, orally. This was a special directive given to many individuals.

The Rebbe further notes that surely the writer knows of the three daily shiurim instituted by his father-in-law, the Rebbe: Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya. These are fitting for everyone, and the Rebbe encourages him at the very least to strengthen himself in their regular observance from now on.

In addition, the Rebbe writes that he should recite the chapter of Tehillim corresponding to his age. This follows the custom that each year a person says the chapter matching the year he has entered.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for good news in all the above matters. He also blesses him, in the wording often used by his father-in-law, the Rebbe, with a good and healthy summer.

The message of the letter is that physical health and spiritual vitality go together. Alongside prayers for healing, one strengthens life through regular Torah study, Tehillim, and steady spiritual growth.

Summary – The Rebbe teaches that true wellness includes both body and soul. Prayer, Torah study, Tehillim, and consistent spiritual practice bring blessing, strength, and the deepest gift of all—nachas from future generations.