Igrot Kodesh · Letter 1755 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

6 Menachem Av 5712,

Brooklyn,

Greetings and blessings,

I was pleased to learn that you have returned home, several months ago already. I hope to receive a letter in which you will tell me more precisely about your state of health.

You surely know the position of the poskim*, also printed in HaTamim, among the letters that the Maggid of Mezeritch wrote to his son[1], that a small opening made in the body makes one also in the soul. We can deduce from this how important it is for a man in general, and for a Jew in particular, to maintain his physical health.

There is in this a means of avodas Hashem, as the Rambam explains in chapter 4 of Hilchos De'os: "That the body be sound and healthy is an integral part of avodas Hashem." You also know that the Baal Shem Tov made it a principle that "you shall serve Hashem with joy," and my father-in-law, the Rebbe, has many times explained to us the interpretation that the Baal Shem Tov gives of the verse "when you see a donkey... you shall help him." This is also reported in the Hayom Yom[2].

The content of this explanation is the following. One does not serve Hashem by mortifying one's body. On the contrary, the body must participate in this avodah*. All this has been related to us because such conduct is expected of us. Such, then, is our manner of avodas Hashem, and such is the way of chassidim.

Obviously, my purpose is not to discourse but to evoke concrete action. You are now at home, and you therefore are no longer in the hands of the doctors, thank Hashem. Consequently, you must not multiply physical exertions, but rather conform to the prescriptions of the doctors and do everything to be in good physical health. It is in this way that you will be morally healthy.

May Hashem grant that, with your wife, you raise your children to Torah, chuppah* and good deeds, experience much Yiddishe nachas*, with tranquility of soul and body. I hope to have good news from you on this subject.

With my blessing and in expectation of your good news,

[1] See, on this subject, letter no. 1275.
[2] At the date of 28 Shevat.