5487 —תורה כרפואה, אפילו בזמן מחלה

B"H, 28 Iyar, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Yisrael Gordon

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 25th of Iyar with its enclosure. Certainly you will find words to explain to... that his claim that he cannot study now because he is in pain is like a sick person saying he cannot take medicine because he is ill. Our Sages have informed us that Torah brings healing to the world: "If one has pain in his head or body, let him engage in Torah study." Even though it is understood that studying deeply is difficult when the body hurts, nevertheless one should strive even then—and certainly at least to learn by rote, and at the very least the three daily portions established by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe—Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—as is well known.

May it be G‑d's will that you share good news—that your words came from the heart and entered his heart and brought practical results. And very soon may you also share good news regarding your own personal matter, since you have already taken a step in nature by visiting a doctor. As for what he says about needing much time—certainly this is not so; as our Sages precisely stated: "The Torah gave permission to the doctor to heal," but not to delay healing G‑d forbid. I await good news regarding all of the above.

Blessings in the wording of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe: for receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness and for success for both of you also regarding the daily camp matter.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Torah study itself brings healing even during illness. One should persist in learning despite discomfort, at least fulfilling basic daily portions. Practical steps toward healing should not be delayed; spiritual effort and natural means work together.