5856 —עצות לשמיעת הבת ולדיבורה: בדיקת מזוזות ותפילין, צדקה קודם הדלקת הנרות ורופא מומחה

B"H, 18th of Marcheshvan, 5718

Brooklyn.

Peace and blessing!

In reply to your letter of the 11th of Cheshvan, in which you write about the state of health of your daughter ..., may she live long and good days, amen, with regard to her sense of hearing, and somewhat also with regard to her speech; and her mother says that perhaps this comes from mazikin (harmful spirits), etc.

You should put this notion out of your mind completely. Rather, have the mezuzos in your home checked, and likewise your tefillin, that they be kosher according to the law; the mother should keep the custom of upright Jewish women, to set aside money for tzedakah before lighting the candles every Erev Shabbos Kodesh and Erev Yom Tov; and seek the opinion of an expert specialist doctor, who will examine not only the ear but also the state of her nerves. And through all of you adding in matters of Torah and mitzvos, there will be added the blessings of G‑d, blessed be He, in whatever you need in general, and especially with regard to your daughter, may she live.

With blessing,

In the name of the Rebbe, may he live long and good days,

Secretary

Summary

This letter tells a father to set aside his wife's fear that their daughter's hearing and speech trouble comes from harmful spirits, and instead to take practical steps: have the mezuzos and tefillin checked, have the mother give tzedakah before candle lighting, consult a specialist about her ear and her nerves, and add in Torah and mitzvos, which brings added blessing.