8945 —הדרכה רפואית על תכנון משפחה, טהרת המשפחה, ואמצעי זהירות

B"H, 23 Shevat 5725. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh: At an auspicious time, all those you wrote about will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, in accordance with the content of your letter.

Regarding your writing about the doctors' directive for your wife to avoid pregnancy, and that you consulted a rabbi who permitted various means (which you listed): It is surprising that you do not mention a simple and effective matter—especially in combination with the methods you described—which is that in this case (for her), where the rabbi explicitly permitted it, to delay immersion for a few days as advised by a doctor familiar with your wife and who knows which day she is most likely to conceive. Usually a delay of two or three days suffices. Discuss all this with both the rabbi and doctor so they may guide you.

Based on the tone of your letter, I hope it is unnecessary to stress the absolute necessity that daily conduct aligns with the directives of our Torah of Life and fulfillment of its mitzvos about which it is said "and you shall live by them," for besides being G‑d's commandment, this is also the way to receive His blessing in all needs—especially when special blessing is needed. In your case, particular emphasis should be placed on proper care in all laws of Taharas HaMishpacha.

It is advisable to check your tefillin as well as all mezuzos in your home to ensure they are kosher according to halachah. Your wife should also maintain the fine custom of Jewish women to give tzedakah before lighting candles every Erev Shabbat and Erev Yom Tov.

Suturing the fallopian tubes—in addition to concerns present in any surgery (especially internal surgery and particularly when health is fragile—and from your letter several details seem unclear)—has several negative aspects: (a) It permanently prevents pregnancy even if she later recovers; (b) There are halachic concerns which your rabbi can explain; (c) There have been cases where pregnancy occurred despite suturing (the usual explanation being that the suture came undone internally without being noticed).

Blessings for good news in all matters mentioned above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that medical decisions about family planning must be guided by both halachic authority and medical expertise. He stresses strict adherence to Taharas HaMishpacha and mitzvah observance as channels for blessing and advises practical spiritual safeguards like checking tefillin and mezuzos.