Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 17, Letter 6210

Dated: 1st of Iyar, 5718 (1958), Brooklyn

Shalom u’Vracha,

This letter offers a remarkable glimpse into the Rebbe’s personal involvement in the needs of individuals, combining practical medical assistance with profound spiritual direction.

The Rebbe writes that he received the recipient’s letter, dated March 23rd, together with the enclosed material. In response, the Rebbe says that, according to his request and instruction, his friend, the well-known physician Dr. Seligson, contacted one of the leading specialists in that particular medical field. The Rebbe enclosed a letter from Dr. Seligson summarizing the specialist’s opinion and recommendations.

This demonstrates how deeply the Rebbe involved himself in the struggles of others. He did not merely offer blessings from afar, but actively sought expert medical counsel and personally forwarded guidance that could help the family in a practical way.

Yet the Rebbe immediately adds a deeper perspective. Every morning, we bless Hashem as “Rofeh Chol Basar u’Mafli La’asos”—the One Who heals all flesh and performs wonders. Doctors and medicine are important, but they are only agents through whom Hashem sends healing. The true source of recovery is the Creator Himself.

Because Hashem is the ultimate Healer, the Rebbe explains that it is essential to conduct one’s daily life according to His instructions. Especially when seeking the blessing of children, one must strengthen observance in the holy laws of Taharas Hamishpachah—family purity, including the laws of Niddah, Hefsek Taharah, Mikvah, and all related details.

The Rebbe adds an important principle: even when one is already observing these laws properly, there is always room to improve and deepen one’s commitment. Growth in holiness itself becomes a vessel for greater blessing.

He then offers further practical suggestions:

• The husband should have his tefillin checked to ensure they are fully kosher.
• The mezuzos in the home should also be inspected.
• The wife should continue the beautiful custom of Jewish women to give tzedakah before lighting candles on Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov.

These mitzvos, the Rebbe teaches, are not side matters—they open channels of Divine blessing into the home.

At the close of the letter, the Rebbe notes that since the secretary who normally writes in English was unavailable, this response was written in Yiddish. Nevertheless, the family should feel free to continue writing to him in English in the future.

Lesson of the Letter

This letter beautifully reflects the Rebbe’s approach: one must pursue every natural means available, consult capable experts, and act responsibly—but never forget that all healing and blessing come from Hashem. Physical effort and spiritual growth are not opposites; together they become the complete path to salvation.