Igrot Kodesh · Letter 5160 — Health

B"H

25 Shevat* 5717

Brooklyn

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem*,

called Dr. Y. Fusberg,

Greetings and blessings,

I have duly received your letter, in which you refer to the state of health of this man. I read it with pleasure, noting that, for your part, you conduct your work with warmth and enthusiasm. Certainly, every doctor should possess these qualities, but many content themselves with an ordinary relationship and, even among those who strive to be warm and enthusiastic, there also exist different approaches. When one observes such a positive relationship, one may therefore hope that it will continue to strengthen and will have a positive effect on the patient.

In this case, you surely know that there have been developments in the state of this patient, according to the information communicated to me. You have no doubt been informed of the content of my response, according to which, in keeping with your request, he should follow the prescriptions of the doctors. I am awaiting further information, and may Hashem, Who heals all flesh and performs wonders, grant that it be good.

It is surely unnecessary to emphasize to you that the spiritual and material dimensions are linked. Medicine recognizes that physical health depends on moral health — not only that of the soul in general, but also that of the divine soul.

Consequently, I hope that in treating patients, you also take care of this domain and strive to heal their divine soul, without limiting yourself to their body and their animal soul. And if certain people do not see the utility of this, or even express their opposition, this is precisely the most striking proof that such treatment is even more clearly necessary.

May Hashem grant that you know success in this as well.

With my respects and my blessing,

N.B. You no doubt know that I lived in France for several years and that I read French. You may therefore write to me in whichever language you handle most easily.