By the Grace of G-d 4th of Teveth, 5719 Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Saachs
116, Cazenove Rd
Stoke Newington
London, N.16, England
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your two letters. With regard to the contents of the first, about artificial insemination, there are different methods and conditions involved, and it is necessary to know all the particulars before giving a definite ruling as to what the Jewish point of law is in this regard. Therefore, I suggest that you consult an Orthodox Rabbi in your neighborhood, who could make the necessary inquiries at the hospital in question, in addition to the information that you can submit to him, and then he will be able to advise you on the matter.1
I was pleased to read that you participated in the Farbrengen of Yud-Tes Kislev, and that your affairs are generally improving. May G-d grant that the improvement continue steadily, in accordance with the message of Chanukah which we have just celebrated, when the candles are lit in increasing numbers throughout the days of Chanukah. May there be a steady intensification of the light of Torah and Mitzvoth in your home, with a corresponding increase of light and happiness also in your physical and material aspects.
Hoping to hear good news from you always,
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
Notes and sources
Mr. Benjamin Saachs was an English Chossid who maintained a meaningful relationship with the Rebbe through regular correspondence, seeking guidance in personal and communal matters. For additional letters addressed to Mr. Benjamin Saachs, see letter dated 14 Shevat 5718 and as referenced there.
This letter was written regarding a couplewho were having trouble having children and with the Rebbe's guidance started observing the laws of family purity (see letter dated 14 Shevat, 5718). They were indeed blessed with children, as seen in letter dated 6 Menachem Av, 5719.
1) For an extensive overview of the Rebbe's opnion on various modern fertility treatments see HaMavdil Bein Yisrael La'Amim: Giyur KaHalachah (Rabbinical Center of Europe), vol. 2, pp. 890-908.
Source: Photocopy of Original.
Published: Teshurah (Saacks, 3 Elul 5785).
Halachic Query Regarding a Reproductive Procedure