6244 —תעניות, בריאות, וקיום עצת רופא

The Importance of Safeguarding One’s Health – Guidance on Fasting and Medical Advice

1. Concern for Excessive Fasting and Ignoring Medical Advice

The Rebbe addresses an individual whose lifestyle has come to his attention. He expresses concern, having heard that this person is engaging in frequent fasting. Despite the pleas of his family, who urge him to seek medical advice regarding his health, he pays no attention to their words. Not only does he disregard the doctor’s instructions, but he is also unwilling to even consult a physician.

The Rebbe emphasizes that he has received these reports and is deeply troubled by them. He notes that the individual is endangering his own life through these excessive practices, and that the family’s appeals have likely reached the Rebbe out of concern for his well-being. The Rebbe reiterates that the person is not only ignoring the guidance of medical professionals, but is also refusing to ask for their opinion altogether.

2. The Torah’s Commandment to Guard One’s Health

The Rebbe stresses that it is unnecessary to elaborate on the Torah’s commandment, “And you shall greatly safeguard your souls” (venishmartem meod lenafshoteichem). He references the words of the great teacher, the Rambam, in his work Yad HaChazakah, Laws of Deot, where it is explained that a person cannot understand or contemplate wisdom if he is hungry or ill. One’s body must be whole in order to serve the Creator properly.

The Rebbe points out that the Torah grants permission to doctors to heal, and that many laws in the Shulchan Aruch, such as those concerning Shabbat and Yom Kippur, are based on this principle. This underscores the importance the Torah places on health and the legitimacy of seeking medical treatment.

3. The Ruling of the Alter Rebbe on Fasting in Our Times

The Rebbe highlights the well-known ruling of the Alter Rebbe, the author of the Tanya and a codifier of both the mystical and revealed aspects of Torah. The Alter Rebbe rules that in our generation, excessive fasting can lead to illness or weakness, and therefore it is forbidden to engage in too many fasts. The Rebbe urges the recipient to study the striking words found in chapter 3 of Igeret HaTeshuvah in Tanya, where this matter is discussed at length.

He explains that both the revealed and hidden dimensions of Torah, as codified by the Alter Rebbe and in the Shulchan Aruch, agree that one must not endanger one’s health through excessive asceticism. The Rebbe stresses that the Torah has given doctors the authority to heal, and that one must follow their instructions in detail.

4. The Necessity of Consulting and Following a Doctor

The Rebbe expresses his hope that these few lines will suffice to encourage the recipient to change his conduct as required. He urges him to visit a doctor and to follow the doctor’s instructions in all particulars. The Rebbe prays that the Holy One will strengthen his health, enabling him to share good news regarding all that transpires with him.

He concludes with a blessing for good health and the ability to report only positive developments. The Rebbe’s guidance is clear: do not rely on your own judgment in matters of health, but rather consult a qualified physician and adhere to their recommendations precisely, without adding or subtracting anything according to personal preference.