By the Grace of G-d 15th of Av, 5735 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to be informed about your steady advancement in matters of Torah, called Toras Chaim, because it is the Jew’s guide in life, and also Toras Emes, because it is the truth. This is doubly gratifying inasmuch as persons of your standing have an impact on the community, for people look up to you and try to emulate you. Thus, your going from strength to strength in matters of Torah and Mitzvoth is greatly multiplied through those who are inspired by your example, not to mention the direct impact on children and through them on their children in an everlasting chain reaction.

In light of the above, even if there are some difficulties to overcome, it is surely worthwhile to make the effort, inasmuch as the effort involves only the individual, while the benefit is for many. Add to this also the fact that this is also the channel to receive G-d’s blessings in all needs, and that G-d rewards in kind and in a most generous measure.

The above refers to all matters of Torah and Mitzvoth, but has a special significance in regard to Kashrus. As a doctor you know the immense knowledge that has been accumulated recently in the area of nutrition and diet, and how much the quality of food affects physical and mental health. For Jews the Dietary Laws have come down with the Torah itself, which revealed the true meaning of monotheism, of which the Jewish people have been the bearers ever since. It was relevant not only in those days of old, when paganism and idolatry were the general practice of the world, but it is just as relevant in the present day and age, since it is only the Torah and Mitzvoth that are the basis of pure monotheism, rooted in the absolute unity of G-d. This means that the Jew brings unity and harmony into this, the physical, world, eliminating any departmentalization in the daily life, or having occasional practices; or, as some misguided and misconceived individuals might think, that they can practice Judaism at home, but must make concessions and compromises outside their home. All such differentiations are contrary to true unity, pure monotheism. For the concept of pure monotheism is not confined to One G-d, but at the same time it requires unity in the personal life of each and every Jew, who is a member of the One People, of which it is said that it is "One People on earth."¹ According to the explanation of the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad, "One People on earth" means that they bring oneness and unity also in earthly things,² and it is only in this way that the individual can achieve complete personal harmony and unity of the body and soul, at all times, whether in the synagogue, at home, or in the office.

Thus, it is obvious how important Kashrus is for a Jew, since the food and beverages that he consumes become blood and tissue and energy, and food that is not suitable (Kosher) for a Jew can only alienate him from matters of Yiddishkeit, and only the right and Kosher food can nourish him physically, mentally and spiritually. As already mentioned, there is no need to elaborate on this to you, a physician, although your specialty is not directly in the field of nutrition.

The most desirable blessing that can be expressed in this case is that you should indeed serve as a living and inspiring example for others to emulate, and that through your inspiration many others will go from strength to strength in matters of Torah and Mitzvoth in the daily life.

May G-d grant that you should always have good news to report.

With blessing,

M.Schneerson