Health – A sick child

בריאות – ילד חולה

These are the Rebbe's letters to individuals about their own situations. Throughout, the Rebbe instructed people to consult an expert doctor and follow his guidance; anyone facing a medical question should do the same.

The Rebbe's guidance to parents whose child is unwell or struggling:

Follow the medical advice, and strengthen your own trust in Hashem. A parent's faith and bitachon matter greatly when a child's health is uncertain; be cautious about unproven procedures (IK 1636, 7682). Follow up with the doctors promptly and consult carefully before medical decisions for a child, such as removing tonsils, and keep careful medical oversight of medications like antibiotics (IK 1387, 4299, 7129, 7656). Even when the medical opinions are grim, don't give up hope; keep consulting the experts (IK 7604). When a child is hospitalized and resists treatment, rely on a trusted doctor to persuade him rather than confronting him directly (IK 10948).

Spiritual steps for the child's wellbeing: check the tefillin and mezuzos, observe taharas hamishpacha carefully, and wear a tallis katan and yarmulke (IK 1528, 4259). Keep Torah study central in the child's life, for his physical as well as spiritual wellbeing (IK 7018). Increase in Chassidus study as a segulah for children (IK 1387), and in involvement in Jewish education, which brings merit for one's own children's healing (IK 569).

Stuttering: combine practical help, medical advice and a supportive environment, with checking tefillin and strengthening Torah study (IK 1706, 8371, 9175).

Sleep and night waking: alongside checking tefillin and mezuzos, pay attention to the child's education; the Rebbe also confirmed stopping medication where it wasn't needed (IK 4259).

Child rearing: follow the balanced middle path of the Rambam, taking the medical advice into account (IK 7300).

Timing and health: a bris milah takes place when the baby is healthy, without unnecessary delay (IK 2003). Starting cheder slightly early is fine if a doctor approves (IK 1924). With a young child, avoid unnecessary travel and follow the doctor's advice (IK 10757, 10886).

Don't despair; serve Hashem with joy and trust, and this brings blessing to the whole family (IK 2529).

Shiurim in this topic

1387. Medical Guidance, Chassidus Study, and Blessings for Children הדרכה רפואית, לימוד חסידות, וברכות לבנים

›

1528. Guidance for a Child's Developmental Concerns and Spiritual Practices הדרכה לדאגות התפתחות הילד ופרקטיקות רוחניות

›

1636. Medical Testing, Parental Faith, and Trust in Divine Help בדיקות רפואיות, אמונת הורים, ובטחון בעזרת השי"ת

›

1706. Advice for a Young Daughter Suddenly Beginning to Stutter עצה עבור בת צעירה שהתחילה פתאום לגמגם

›

1924. Admitting a Child to Cheder Slightly Before Age Five קבלת ילד לחדר מעט לפני גיל חמש

›