Weekly Moment With the Rebbe

Cure-All

I trust there is no need to emphasize at length that one always needs the blessing of “The Healer of all flesh Who works wondrously,” and the channel to receive it is through the everyday life and conduct in accordance with His Will, namely, in accordance with the Torah and mitzvoth. When a special Divine blessing is needed, an additional effort in this direction is indicated.
-The Rebbe

Science has created a healthier, but more cynical, society. When illness strikes, in whom do we place greater trust – doctors or rabbis? The Avner Institute presents the Rebbe’s advice on an impending surgery and his complementary “prescription” of prayer, study, and good deeds alongside modern medicine.

“Healer of All Flesh”

By the Grace of G-d
9 Adar 5739
Brooklyn, NY

Greeting and Blessing:

This is the acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 7th of Adar, in which you write about the proposed treatment, surgery, for —-. I will remember her in prayer that whatever the decision, it should be with hatzlacha [success].

Inasmuch as you also ask my “advice” in this matter, I can only say in a general way that I am not in favor of radical treatment if there is any possibility of treating a patient in some other way.

I must also add that it is customary among Jews that when there is a difference of opinion among doctors as to the urgency of an operation, or whether to operate or not, it should be treated as any other shaa’lah [question], to consult with a competent practicing Rov, with whom the various aspects and details of the case could be personally discussed, and he can then state his opinion in accordance with the Shulchan Aruch.

I trust there is no need to emphasize at length that one always needs the blessing of “The Healer of all flesh Who works wondrously,” and the channel to receive it is through the everyday life and conduct in accordance with His Will, namely, in accordance with the Torah and mitzvoth. When a special Divine blessing is needed, an additional effort in this direction is indicated.

Ultimate Life Giver

While on the subject of the Torah and mitzvoth, as well as medical science, it is fitting to mention here the analogy between the two. As you know, medical science and the effectiveness of drugs which has been proven by application and use. The understanding of how drugs actually do their work is not of primary importance, and can be studied later.

The same is true of the Torah and mitzvoth insofar as the Jewish people are concerned. For our long history has proven beyond a doubt that the existence of the Jewish people is intimately bound up with Torah and mitzvoth as a way of life, and this has been the only constant factor that has preserved our people at all times and in all places under all kinds of circumstances, whereas other factors that are important for other peoples, such as language, territory, etc. have been changing from time to time and from place to place, so that these cannot be considered determining factors in Jewish life.

I trust that you are using your privileged position of bringing cure and healing to your patients to encourage them to live up more fully to the Will of G-d in the everyday life, since there is always room for improvement in all matters of goodness and holiness, Torah and mitzvoth.

At this time before Purim, I extend to you and yours prayer wishes for a joyous and inspiring Purim.

With esteem and blessing,

[signature]

To reactive this email to your inbox email: [email protected]