By the Grace of G-d 28 Shevat, 5741 Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mrs. . . .
Hollywood Fla 33020
Blessing and Greeting:
I do not know if you plan to attend the Mid-Winter Convention of N’shei Chabad in Chicago, but since I sent a message to the Convention1 I want you to have a copy, for you are, of course, included in it and in all the prayerful wishes expressed therein. Especially as you have done so much for Yiddishkeit, in your family and in your surroundings, including, as I am pleased to hear, the continuation of the minyan in your house.
Having just read the Sedrah Mishpatim this past Shabbos, I trust you know that it is the source also of the Torah teaching that a physician has been given the authority and capacity from On High to heal and cure, as indicated in the words “and (the physician) shall completely heal” (Exod. 21:19). Hence, while the real “Healer of All Flesh Who works wondrously” is, of course G-d, the Torah expects a Jew to avail him/herself of medical advice and treatment, when necessary, since the human physician acts as G-d’s emissary.
Moreover, the Torah teaches us that one's body, as one’s soul, is the “property” of the Creator,1 entrusted to every human being to take proper care of, and to guard and protect meticulously; and that to keep oneself in good health is one of the greatest mitzvos.
In light of the above, while I was pleased to hear that your health had improved, I trust that you are keeping in touch with a specialist and following his instructions for complete and robust health.
May G-d grant that you should have good news to report about yourself and your husband and children, and that together with your husband you should enjoy much true Yiddish Nachas, Torah Nachas, from each and all of your offspring, in perfect health and happy circumstances.
With blessing,
Notes and sources
1) Dated Erev Shabbos Mevorchim Chodesh Adar I.
2) Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Rotzeach 1:4.
Published: The Letter and the Spirit, Vol 3 (Nissan Mindel Publications, 2016), 235
Note: Letters printed in "The Letters and the Spirit" are from the Archives of Rabbi Nissan Mindel A"H, the Rebbe's personal secretary entrusted with writing up the Rebbe's orally dictated responses. The “Nissan Mindel Archives” are comprised of secretarial copies, including first drafts, and may have subsequently been published with editorial changes. Therefore the letters as they appear in the book may not be the final signed version.