5733

Blessing and Greeting:

I am in receipt of your letter, in which you write about what you call ”manifestations,” and the like.

In general, there is no reason for you to be concerned about such things, for they do happen with many people, but are of no consequence if no attention is given to them. Therefore, the way to overcome the problem is not by attempting to wrestle with it, nor to seek any significance in such phenomena, but to dismiss them and anything related to them, from the mind until they disappear in the natural course.

It is customary in such a case to have the mezuzot of the home checked to make sure they are kosher and properly affixed. It is also well to observe the general custom of Jewish women to put aside a small coin for tzedaka before lighting the candles at the proper time before sunset on the eve of Shabbos and Yom Tov.

Above all, it is well to strengthen one’s trust in G-d, Whose benevolent Providence extends to each and every one individually. This should be within the general framework of strengthening adherence to His will in the daily life and conduct. For, in addition to this being essential for its own sake, this is also the way to widen the channels to receive G-d’s blessings in all needs.

I may also add that to worry about such manifestations as you describe is not only disturbing to the person in question, but also to the soul of the departed one which is now in the World of Truth and Bliss. And, although when the time of the yartzeit comes around and kaddish and Mishnayot on behalf of the departed soul are a great thing and a source of spiritual gratification for the soul — this is all that the Torah requires and one should not overdo things even with the best of intentions.

With blessings,