6026 —מחשבה, דיבור ומעשה ברפואה

B"H, 1st of Shevat, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Mohe Zev Dov Alter

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 23rd of Tevet, the eve of the yahrzeit of our master the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, in which you write about your current situation. Surely you have heard the saying of the Rebbe Maharash (father of my father-in-law, the Rebbe): 'The world says that if you can't go under, you must go over; but I say that one must go over from the outset.' The same applies here: although it would seem one should wait to rejoice openly until health is visibly improved, there is room to say—based on this approach—to precede joy for improved health even if it is not yet apparent. This will hasten the matter. It is similar to a saying often heard from Chabad leaders: 'Tracht gut vet zayn gut' (Think good and it will be good). Certainly when this is expressed in words of joy and actions of joy—especially regarding yourself, who through your pen as a scribe can influence many with these ideas—the reward for those who bring joy is well known (Taanis 22a).

With blessings for a good month—the day when Raaya Meheimna began to explain Torah—and in the words of Scripture: 'In the eleventh month on the first day of the month... Moshe began (Raaya Meheimna) to explain this Torah and this teaching to say (for all generations after him)...' Thus, the lesson is clear—especially as the merit of the many readers of your articles assists you.

With blessings for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that positive thought, speech, and action—especially when shared with others—can hasten healing. Expressing joy even before visible improvement has spiritual power and benefits both oneself and those influenced by one's words.