9707 —מעבר דירה, משרות הוראה, וכוח האמונה בבריאות הנפש

B"H, 3rd of Tammuz, 5729.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Dr. Sh. Shtern-Miraz Shetichyeh, HaTishbi 91, Haifa-Carmel

Blessings and peace! I acknowledge receipt of your letter from June 3rd, in which you write about Mrs. ... and your opinion that it would be beneficial for her and her entire family if they were to move now from their current place to Kiryat Gat or Jerusalem.

Surely you are aware of the great difficulties in obtaining approval for transferring teachers to a central location, including those mentioned above, where there is already a significant advantage in teachers compared to what is needed. And even if they succeed in obtaining approval for one of them—meaning the husband—the chances are very slim that at the same time approval will be granted for work in education also for the wife. In general, the Ministry of Education is not pleased when both husband and wife work together in the same field and institution as a whole.

As I gather from my letters ... and also based on my conversation with you during your visit here, the fact that she brings benefit through her activity in education and guidance encourages her greatly and adds to her self-confidence and mental tranquility—that is to say, her health.

I would add—and perhaps this is also important—that her public activity in her current place is easier because there are only a few competitors there in ... etc., while on the other hand, the demand is much greater than in Kiryat Gat and certainly more than in Jerusalem. This activity too is an important part of her mental state and tranquility.

With all this—since she sees it as such now—if even after receiving this letter she decides it is worthwhile to pursue such a transfer, I will turn to activists within our school network and ask them to investigate the possibilities for such a transfer and act accordingly.

I take this opportunity to add another point—even though it concerns her profession—which is that the course of events regarding Mrs. ...'s health proves (if proof is needed) the great power of faith—especially as expressed through practical action: public activity, observance of mitzvos, etc.—in establishing a person's mental tranquility; reducing or sometimes even eliminating internal conflicts as well as complaints from one's environment—even though some claim that faith and religion require a person to accept discipline that suppresses instincts and drives; therefore it is not desirable at all—especially in cases where someone needs psychological treatment etc.

I was particularly interested in Dr. Frankl's (Vienna) articles on this subject; but to my surprise it seems his approach has not spread or been accepted as needed. Even though several reasons can be found for this phenomenon—including that it depends on the living example set by the treating physician—the difficulty still remains.

With respect and blessing that you succeed in your profession—to heal patients and bring them healthy lives worthy of their name.

Summary

The Rebbe highlights both practical challenges of relocation for educators and underscores how faith-based action supports mental health. He encourages continued professional dedication while recognizing spiritual strength as vital for personal well-being.