Igrot Kodesh · Letter 697 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,
26 Menachem Av 5710,

To the Chassid* who fears Hashem, the Rabbi ...,

Greetings and blessings,

I have received your letter of erev Shabbos Nachamu. I thank Hashem in seeing that your state of health has improved. You will surely go better and better, according to the principle stated for all that is connected to holiness [1].

In fact, the physical health of a Jew belongs indeed to the domain of holiness, as my father-in-law, the Rebbe, has many times affirmed in the name of his father, the Rebbe Rashab [2], who said: "How precious is this body, for which so much Torah and Mitzvos* have been given," enabling it to be better and more elevated.

It is in this manner that one can define the health of a Jew — which must not prevent him from putting into practice Torah and Mitzvos, Heaven forbid.

I thank you particularly for having informed me that you are studying Chassidus* in a systematic manner, and that you participate in Chassidic gatherings. I am also grateful to you for the report of the studies of Beis Sarah and Beis Rivkah, which you transmitted to me.

It would be good that the students of these institutions, coming to America, receive the address of Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch. Nonetheless, one must also ensure that they remain in contact, if they leave for other countries, in order to receive the encouragement they need, during their journey and in their new conditions of life.

In accordance with your wish, I will read your request for blessing at the gravesite of my father-in-law, the Rebbe. May this journey be made in its time, as is fitting and in a fruitful manner.

I conclude by extending my blessing and greeting your entire community,

Menachem Schneerson

Notes:
[1] Which implies an advancement in ascending order.
[2] See Letters 605 and 646.