7070 —בריאות, הדרכה רפואית, וחלוקת כספים

B"H, 11th of Menachem Av, 5720. Brooklyn.

Haraha"g Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Yitzchak Dubavov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a long break I received your letter from Motzaei Shabbat along with the pan (pidyon nefesh), to be read at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzukal lehavdil ben chaim mezal ziya. May it be G‑d's will that the content of your next letter will bring joy also regarding your health.

Especially as we are entering the month of Tishrei—the seventh month which is full of all good and is general for the entire year—may blessing and success rest upon all your matters both general and specific throughout the whole year.

Blessings for good news in proper health and all good things.

M. Schneersohn

Regarding what you wrote about the doctors' instruction to eat frequently and whether this contradicts lengthening morning prayers since until now you have been careful not to taste anything before davening by instruction—this eating in your case is a medical matter (to prevent accumulation of acidic juices in the stomach) and not due to hunger or even strengthening the body. Accordingly—the permission is explicit (see Shulchan Aruch Admur Hazaken section 89:5; see also Pri Chadash as brought in Magen Avraham there). Note also the well-known principle in Taz Yoreh Deah section 117. It is likely that originally this was not included in the prohibition. For extra certainty—permit your conduct with three (i.e., consult three authorities).

Regarding what you wrote about the sum given to you and that you already wrote to the giver not to take it etc.—since action has already been taken, divide it—as our Sages say (Bava Batra 133b)—one third to Lubavitch House in London, one third to the charity fund here in Machaneh Yisrael, and one third for your own needs—and may it be with increased joy.

Summary

The Rebbe addresses both spiritual and practical concerns: he encourages prioritizing health when medically necessary even if it affects religious custom, and gives clear guidance on distributing received funds fairly between communal needs and personal use.