By the Grace of G-d8th of Shevat, 5734Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to receive your letter, with the enclosures, namely the activity sheets and quizzes etc.

Needless to say, I read your letter with due attention. I must, however, take exception to the lack of proper attitude on your part in the matter of medical advice, which really surprises me. For as you surely know, the Torah has given authority and power to a doctor to heal, and it also states "G-d your G-d will bless you in all that you do.” thus it is clear that while a Jew must never lose sight of the fact that G-d is the Source of all blessings, it is G-d who also instructed that things should be done in the natural order, to provide the channels and vessels to receive G-d’s blessings.

Furthermore, you surely know that the Torah imperative to take care of one’s health is one of the basic mitzvot. One must realize that one‘s body and soul are the property of G-d, of the King of Kings, and must therefore be guarded the way one would guard the personal property of the king.

Thus the conclusion is immediate and obvious that it is absolutely necessary for a Jew to follow medical advice, and since it is a Mitzvah of the Torah it is necessary to observe this with the same stringency that a Jew must observe all the mitzvot of the Torah. In this case it is immaterial how the individual evaluates his own condition, as to whether or not he should consult a doctor for it is the doctor who has to decide if medical attention is required, and when it is no longer required.

My practical advice is, therefore, that you should consult with the Family doctor and follow his instructions, whether they be the doctor's own instructions or his recommendation to consult some other medical specialist. Even if this would mean giving time and attention to the matter, surely this is no less important than the fulfillment of any other mitzvah of the Torah which requires time and attention.

Moreover and this too is essential, that by devoting a little time to strengthening your health will surely increase your hatzlacha in all matters of Torah and Yiddishkeit. There is no need to elaborate on the obvious.

May G-d grant that you should carry out all the above with joy and gladness of heart, and have good news to report.

With blessing,