Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit
Volume 2
Specific Physical Health Issues and Reproduction
Based on the
Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
By Rabbi Sholom B. Wineberg
Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit
Volume 2
Published by Sichos In English at Smashwords
Copyright 2006 Sichos In English
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Chapter 1: Compiler’s Foreword
B”H
With heartfelt gratitude to G-d for the warm and positive reception the first volume in this series received, we hereby present the second volume of Healthy in Mind, Body and Spirit — A Guide to Good Health, based on the teachings and writings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. These volumes present a broad, representative selection of the Rebbe’s advice and insights on physical and mental health.
While volume one dealt with health issues of a general nature, the present volume deals with specific physical health issues. Volume three, the final volume in this series, will — G-d willing — deal with specific issues of mental health.
Since, as the Rebbe so often indicated, the spiritual and physical health of a Jew are inexorably intertwined, many of the Rebbe’s responses and comments also relate to a Jew’s spiritual well-being.
* * *
Most of the material assembled in this work consists of private responses to individuals. It must therefore be borne in mind that the Rebbe’s answer to one individual does not necessarily apply at all to another, for, as the Rebbe once wrote,1 “It is patently obvious2 that a directive to an individual does not serve at all as a directive to the public, even when the issues are the same.”
Moreover, some of the responses to individuals are not necessarily the Rebbe’s final word on the matter, particularly since the Rebbe would encourage the use of the latest medical advances, procedures and medications, some of which were not extant at the time he offered those responses.
What we have done to try to resolve this latter difficulty is to quote numerous responses, even though some may appear different from others. The dates or sources cited may be of benefit in distinguishing the Rebbe’s later responses. So, too, by noting that numerous answers are written in the same vein, we have an indication of the Rebbe’s overall approach to a specific issue or matter.
* * *
Knowledge of the Rebbe’s directives on healing echoes the theme of a letter that the Rebbe wrote before accepting the mantle of leadership. There he writes, with regard to the Previous Rebbe:3 “There is a Rebbe among the Jewish people, and he is not bound at all by the limitations of nature. A person who wishes to proceed on a secure path with regard to crucial life decisions should not lift his hand without asking the Rebbe. When a person is confused or confronted by fundamental life questions, he must know that the Jewish people have not been left without succor. There is someone to ask....
“He should not rely solely on his own understanding ..., nor on the doctor. ...These are approaches that involve doubt. He has a sure path where he can clarify his doubts.... And when he follows [the Rebbe’s] directives, he will succeed.”
* * *
To conclude on a personal note: This volume is dedicated to my dear friend, Levi ben Tzivya sheyichyeh. May G-d grant him continued good health, and grant his son, Adam ben Sarah sheyichyeh, a complete and speedy recovery.
May our study of these volumes of the Rebbe’s teachings and directives strengthen our continued spiritual bond with him, and enable us to merit “the all-encompassing healing that will come in the Ultimate Future, in the era of Mashiach; may he come speedily in our days.”4
Sholom B. Wineberg
Overland Park, Kansas
11 Nissan, 5766
Chapter 2: Pediatrics
A Newborn Should Immediately Be surrounded
With Objects of
Holiness
It is very important that as soon as a Jewish child is born, he or she be enveloped in an atmosphere of holiness. It is known that what a one-day-old baby sees and hears will have an influence on the child even many years later.5
Surrounding the child with objects of holiness will help add blessing and success to the life of the child so that the parents will merit to raise the child “to Torah, to chuppah, and to good deeds.”
(Hisvaaduyos 5747, Vol. II, p. 37)
Timing of a Bris
... May G-d grant that the bris (circumcision) take place at the proper and auspicious time — and, as my father-in-law of saintly memory, the Rebbe, would instruct: to perform the bris [on a day] when the doctor and mohel are in agreement [that performing the bris on that day would present no untoward risk to the infant].
(From a letter of the Rebbe, dated 19 Shvat, 5721)
Perinatal Jaundice6
The Rebbe’s secretaries relate that if a child came down with jaundice, not only with the infection itself but even with the perinatal condition, the Rebbe would emphatically state that they should wait seven complete days after the baby has healed before performing a circumcision.7
Delaying a Bris for Health Reasons
... In reply to your questions:
A) ... The bris should take place when your [twin] sons sheyichyu are entirely healthy; if there is even the slightest doubt in the matter, it can be done at a later date. ...
B) Regarding your question whether to delay the bris until both brissim can be done together: I don’t understand the reasoning behind this; each one of them should have his bris when he is entirely healthy, even if both will not have the bris on the same day.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. VII, p. 143)
Use of Anesthesia During a Bris
... You write that since the individual having the bris was over the age of thirteen, he was given anesthesia — by which you mean general anesthesia:
You should inquire of a practicing Rav regarding this matter, since it may be quite possible to give [a non-infant having a bris] a local anesthetic in a nearby area (done generally in the back and spine).
This only blocks the feeling of pain for a certain amount of time, but doesn’t cause the person to be put to sleep. The person is then totally conscious, which is to say that he is obligated in all mitzvos, [and thus consciously performs the mitzvah of circumcision].
The difference between these two actions, [i.e., the difference between providing a general or a local anesthetic,] is readily understandable.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 343)
Children’s Vaccinations
In reply to your letter in which you ask my opinion about the injections, [i.e., vaccinations,] that are commonly given to young children:
It is with regard to matters such as these that the axiom “Do not set yourself apart from the community” applies. You should act according to that which is done by [the parents of] the majority of children who are in your children’s classes. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XI, p. 137)
Traveling With an Infant to a Foreign Locale
Possessing an
Entirely Different Climate
In reply to your letter from the 11th of Sivan in which you write about visiting Eretz Yisrael together with your children sheyichyu:
I am somewhat surprised by this, since I believe that the opinion of doctors is that until an infant becomes one year old, the child should not be taken outside the country, to a place where the air, water, etc. is very different.
[This is] particularly so since the city in which you presently find yourself — according to what I have heard — has a very temperate and pleasant climate without major changes from week to week, or even from season to season. This is not always the case in ..., particularly during the fall and winter. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIII, p. 195)
A Child’s Sleeping Problems Caused by
Dietary Deficiency
... You write that your son sleeps very lightly, waking up almost nightly, etc.:
It is quite likely that your son is lacking a nutritional ingredient in his diet; when this will be rectified, his nerves will strengthen and his sleep will improve as well.
However, in addition to the above, it is also important to check the mezuzah in his room [to verify its kashrus,] and to be scrupulous about the kashrus of the food and drink provided him.
All the above will assist in bringing about a steady improvement in your child’s situation. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XVII, p. 245)
Breathing Problems of an Infant
In reply to your letter of the 20th of Sivan in which you write about the health situation of your son ... shlita, and the opinions of the doctors:
It would seem from the tone of your letter — although you do not state this explicitly — that all the doctors are in agreement that no thought is even being given now to serious forms of treatment (such as surgery, G-d forbid, or the like — not even exploratory surgery), which is entirely understandable given the tender age of your son sheyichye.
Since there is presently no course of treatment to follow and in practical terms your question only relates to a future date, your present form of conduct according to our Torah, the Torah of Life, should be that you are firm in your bitachon in G-d, “Healer of all flesh and Performer of wonders,” that the situation will surely consistently improve.
Nevertheless, I believe it would be advisable to bring to the doctors’ attention the possibility that the cause [of your son’s breathing difficulties] is that the air passage of one of your son’s bronchial tubes is narrower than usual.
If this is the case, then there are solutions and remedies using mechanical means that can cause no harm and only be beneficial — making breathing motions that are slightly stronger and more quickly paced at the location of the neck muscles; for all organs, [and the lungs among them,] become stronger and better developed when they are trained to properly function.
The same may be true in this instance as well. And as I stressed above — “slightly more” [stronger and quickly paced breathing motions].
How exactly this should be done and whether it should be done manually or by machine is up to the doctor to decide — perhaps advice should be sought from physical therapists.
It would be proper for you to have your tefillin checked if they have not been checked within the past twelve months, and your wife tichye should observe the good Jewish custom of fine Jewish women, the custom of giving tzedakah prior to lighting candles erev Shabbos and erev Yom Tov.
It would also be appropriate to ascertain whether your shidduch with each other did not wound the pride of any Jewish young man or woman to the extent that it necessitates — according to Jewish law — asking their forgiveness.
Since everything is providential, I have the obligation (and zechus) to encourage you about the necessity of establishing set study periods for the study of the inner aspect of Torah, which in our generation has been revealed in Toras HaChassidus. Establish a daily study session in the above, with supplemental study on Shabbos, a day that is holy to G-d. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XX, p. 267)
Hastening the Child’s Development
... Regarding that which you write about your daughter — to the extent that I could ascertain from your letter:
During the past few years, many new kinds of treatment have been developed for such matters, such as pills that hasten the development, etc.
I believe that in Switzerland there are doctors who are great specialists in this area. It would be worthwhile for you to find out more details about this, and act in accordance with the information you receive. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 400)
Arrested Development
... With regard to the health situation of your daughter tichye and her development — which is not satisfactory:
You surely know that during the past few years many new kinds of treatment have been developed for such matters. It would therefore be worthwhile for you to consult a specialist in this area — particularly regarding the new methods of treatment and whether they are appropriate in the present situation.
May G-d will it that you receive the best possible advice for your daughter in an overtly revealed manner of goodness. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 36)
Radiation Therapy for Children
... One should be exceedingly careful about utilizing radiation therapy and particularly for children, especially very young children. If there is a doctor who is opposed to this form of therapy, then you should not use it.
May the Healer of all flesh heal her in an openly good and revealed manner. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXII, p. 31)
Building a Child’s Self-Confidence
In reply to your letter with the attachment — the opinion of the doctor regarding your son shlita — which is herewith being returned:
Continue with the treatment that was suggested to you.
It may be worthwhile to bring to the doctor’s attention that according to his analysis of why the child is despondent, it might prove very effective to give the child an opportunity to be of assistance to those who are weaker than he.
It would also be effective for him to be provided the opportunity of becoming a group leader, as in leading a Mesibos Shabbos group and the like. All this would enhance his self-confidence, etc.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 183)
Nursing
... With regard to nursing your child:
This is a very good idea. So much so, that in the last few years, even American doctors have begun to speak and print articles about how beneficial nursing is for both mother and child. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 165)
Taking Medication While Nursing
You write that the medicines you are taking are having an [untoward] effect on your child sheyichye, since you are nursing him:
I am somewhat astonished by this, for in circumstances where the mother must take medication, the doctors see to it that the child receive his nourishment through bottled milk and the like.
Possibly, the reason you are continuing to nurse is that you are having difficulties obtaining proper kosher milk where you live. In any event, you should bring this matter to the doctor’s attention. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. X, p. 239)
A Child Who Is Undersized
... You write about one of your students who is extremely short:
During the last few years, many new courses of treatment have been discovered for such cases, although understandably, not all are similar in their manner of treatment and degree of success.
... In any event, it would be worthwhile for her parents sheyichyu to ask the doctor in charge of her care what new courses of treatment have been discovered lately that may be of assistance to their daughter.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XX, p. 42)
Tonsillitis
... You write about the [colds a child of yours is catching, which you think may be because of his] tonsils:
Generally speaking, even those who do catch colds because of their tonsils do so only during fall and winter, but not in the [spring and] summer. Therefore, it would seem that there is no reason to necessarily decide about this matter now.8
Consult again with your doctor, and if he also thinks so, [i.e., that it is necessary to perform a tonsillectomy,] then there is room to write me again about this question only after a number of months from now.
In the interim, may each and every one of you, and all of you together, have a healthy summer. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIII, p. 27)
Removal of the Tonsils
In reply to your letter in which you ask whether to remove the tonsils of your daughter ... tichye, since there are doctors who are advising you to do so:
It would seem from your letter that this only concerns her appetite, [i.e., this is the sole reason for the doctors’ opinion that the tonsils be removed].
If this is indeed the case, then there is no haste to have this done; surely not at the end of the hot summer months. Consult again with medical experts at the beginning of the year 5715, following the holidays.9
Preventing Bedwetting
... You write that your son sheyichye is not yet entirely free from his problem, etc., [i.e., his bedwetting,] although the situation is better than [it has been] in the past:
Surely the doctor explained to you that the cause of much of this is the state of his nerves; when his nerves will develop and strengthen and he will gain additional self-confidence, then the situation will become better as well.
However, in order to hasten his improvement and completely resolve the matter, there are many remedies that doctors offer such as eating less, and most surely drinking less, before going to sleep, and so on.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIX, p. 21)
Spiritual Atmosphere More Vital to a Child
Than Physical
Atmosphere
... Regarding that which you write about your son, that you believe you can improve his health by sending him to a school where the level of yiras Shomayim10 is poorer but the air [in that location] is better, and in time you will return him to the school where he is currently studying:
I don’t care for the idea — [should you carry through with your plan, then] your removing him [from a good school] would be a certainty; whether you will enroll him there again and whether he will be able to make up that which he lost is a question [that presently cannot be answered,] and a very large question at that.
We know the explanation offered in sefarim in general and in chassidic sefarim in particular on the verse,11 “The fear of G-d leads to life” — that being G-d-fearing leads to improved health. Therefore, even if the air is better in the other location, the additional measure of yiras Shomayim and consequent good health that your son will gain in his present school will be greater than the good health he would gain in the new school.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. X, p. 252)
Do Not Compromise Level of Kashrus
When Only of Minimal
Benefit to Child’s Health
In reply to your letter of the 18th of Kislev in which you describe the health of your children sheyichyu, and you conclude with a question regarding whether the children should receive a type of food whose kashrus is somewhat in doubt, in order that this food enhance their appetites:
Scrupulous observance of kashrus (as explained in many places) is important not only for the proper observance of the kashrus commandment, but also because each and every morsel of food that a person eats is transformed into his flesh and blood, thereby binding the soul and the body.
The kashrus and refinement of foods have an effect on the character and moral fiber of the person who eats them. Thus, every enhancement in the degree of a food’s kashrus, refinement and purity, must also be recognized as an added enhancement to the quality, caliber and refinement of the individual’s character and moral fiber.
If this is so regarding adults, how much more so with regard to children whose characters are in the process of being formed. The direction one takes in their formative process is thus of utmost importance.
In light of the above, my opinion [and reply to your question] is obvious:
Since we are not dealing with a life-threatening situation — G-d forbid — and it is only a matter of increasing your children’s appetites and strengthening them, you should not diminish the level of kashrus of their foods.
Surely other means and methods can be found to strengthen their appetites and make them healthier — and not to the detriment of proper observance of kashrus.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XVIII, p. 109)
When a Young Person Refuses to Go to the Doctor
This is to acknowledge your letter of January 3rd; in accordance with your request, I will mention your son in prayer.
Regarding the problem of getting your son to seek the advice of a doctor:
It is quite often the case that teenagers respond less to the influence of their parents than to the influence of their friends.
I believe that you will be able to find many suitable friends who will be able to speak to him [and convince him to seek a doctor’s advice]. It would be better that your son not know that his friends were asked to convince him.
I wish to add that the unwillingness to seek the advice of a doctor or to follow his instructions is quite a common occurrence; generally doctors know how to deal with such a situation.
One of the methods [to overcome the reluctance to take medication] is to prescribe a colorless and tasteless medicine that can be dissolved in milk or juice, so that [the young person] will not suspect [that he is taking a medication].
Since all blessings emanate from G-d, it is good to remember the following — a matter that at times people are inattentive to:
All members of the Jewish family are considered one entity and one body; that which is beneficial to one part [of this body] is beneficial to the whole.
Consequently, any and all additional efforts in increasing matters of goodness and holiness, Torah and mitzvos — particularly on the part of the parents — broadens the channels to receiving G-d’s blessings for the entire family and particularly to the individual who is in the most need of these blessings. ...
(From a letter of the Rebbe, dated 21 Teves, 5740)
Chapter 3: Circulatory and Vascular Ailments
Circulatory Problems in the Feet
... I’m surprised that you did not mention whether you have tried taking the appropriate injections or whether you have tried exercising your toes and feet, for though your writing does not make clear exactly what the ailment is, it does seem to be in the area of blood circulation.
At any rate, it would be worthwhile to bring this matter to the attention of the doctor who is treating you. And when one does what one can using natural means, it also serves as a conduit and vessel to that which transcends nature.
Since a Jew’s spirituality and physicality go hand in hand, and our Sages say, “‘the property that was at their feet’12 — which refers to ‘money, which stands a person on his feet’”13 — it follows that you should increase your charitable giving, particularly to those institutions where children exclusively learn Torah, those being the “feet” upon which the body of Israel stands. And all increases to the spiritual life of the Jew surely enhance his physical life as well.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIX, p. 101)
Inadequate Blood Flow
... You have surely inquired of Dr. ... regarding your ailment, whether it is connected to your receiving adequate blood-flow to the feet. By this I mean: at times the smaller veins, those that are distant from the heart, do not speedily and adequately enough convey the flow of blood. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 213)
Treatment of Varicose Veins
With regard to [the problem that ... is having with] varicose veins:
It is worth trying rubber stockings, injections and the like.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXIV, p. 357)
... With regard to that which you write about the health of your wife tichye, [specifically] with regard to her feet — that there are some doctors who are advising surgery:
I am surprised that you do not mention whether you have already tried other methods such as wearing [special] stockings, massage, injections and the like. Understandably, before you decide on surgery you should try these measures.
If you have already tried all the above and they have been unsuccessful, then you should make a consultation between two specialists in this field and follow their directive — and [bear in mind that] Torah has granted permission for the healer to heal. May it be G-d’s will that you be able to convey glad tidings with regard to all the above.
Surely your wife tichye observes the good custom of upstanding Jewish women, of giving tzedakah before lighting the candles every erev Shabbos and erev Yom Tov. It would also be appropriate for you to check the mezuzos in your home.
Surely you observe the three well-known daily lessons that apply to all, those of Chumash, Tehillim and Tanya, as established by my father-in-law, the Rebbe — [if you do not,] at least begin observing them in the future.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIV, p. 87)
Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
... You write about your wife shetlita’s varicose veins:
It’s very surprising that you did not mention whether the doctor told her to wear rubber hose, and whether he told her that she should not stand or walk for long periods of time. [Also, whether he told her] to take short rests as well. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 268)
Blood Pressure
Lowering One’s Blood Pressure
After a long pause [in which I did not hear from you], it gladdened me to learn that your health situation has improved:
You surely are aware of the physicians’ view — and we observe this to be true as well — that [a calm demeanor and] not becoming irritated or angry is a tried and tested antidote to high blood pressure.
In order to attain this quality of not becoming irritated or angry, it would be appropriate for you to study in depth the Iggeres HaKodesh of the Alter Rebbe (which is the fourth section of Tanya, and is printed and bound with it), Epistle 25.
[That which is stated there about not becoming angry] is also eminently logical, and to briefly elucidate one of the reasons why this is so: We verily observe that getting upset and angry over material matters not only doesn’t lead to anything beneficial, it is also actually detrimental.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. VII, p. 34)
Relieve the Pressure and Lower Your Blood Pressure
In reply to your letter of the 25th of Iyar and the one previous to it: At an auspicious time, I will mention you in prayer at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, of blessed memory, for good health.
Surely the doctor, whose advice you asked, told you as well that [the level of one’s] blood pressure depends to a considerable extent on the person’s state of mind.
From this it is understood that conduct in keeping with the words of the Baal Shem Tov,14 [that Divine service is to be in a manner of] “... you shall come to its aid”15 — “[to serve G-d] with the body,” in a manner of joy and gladness of heart, is one of the things that comes with its own simultaneous reward — that of increasing one’s health, as we verily observe.
And how wondrous are the words of the Alter Rebbe in chapter 49 of Tanya: “‘You have chosen us’ ... refers to the material body....” These present days are particularly appropriate for the above, since they are days of preparation to the receiving of the Torah, at which time — as our Sages, of blessed memory, say — all Jews became physically healthy and whole.
(In light of all the above, it is understandable that there is no reason at all to apologize for your writing to me regarding the above, for in addition to the chassidic aphorism “The other’s material welfare is my spirituality,” there is also the added fact that the material body of a Jew is holy, as is also to be understood from the statement in Tanya quoted above.) ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIII, p. 111)
Chapter 4: Eyes and Vision
Glaucoma
In reply to your letter of Sunday in which you describe the state of your health, particularly regarding your eyes:
According to your description, it seems that you are suffering from glaucoma. In such instances it is customary to operate a second time as well, although — understandably — this should take place only after a top eye specialist advises that such an operation is necessary.
There are many such specialists in Eretz Yisrael. Consult with them — and [know that] “the Torah has granted permission for the healer to heal.”
Also, it is known that one of the segulos for healing one’s eyes is — in light of the saying of our Sages, of blessed memory regarding a person’s sight — that one should be scrupulous in making Kiddush and Havdalah over wine.16
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 326)
Loss of Sight as a Result of a Fall
To an individual whose daughter lost her sight as a result of a fall, the Rebbe wrote the following:
In response to your letter of the 2nd of MarCheshvan, in which you write about the health of your daughter shetlita with regard to her eyes, and the opinion of the doctors [that you travel with your daughter to an eye specialist in Boston]:
First of all, before you decide on this trip, it is customary for the attending physician to send to the specialist who will be visited — in this case, the doctor in Boston — a description of the state of the patient’s health, as well as the course of treatment.
It is also my understanding that many individuals in the Holy Land consult with medical specialists in Switzerland. It would be advisable for you to do so as well; surely among your friends in Eretz Yisrael you will find those who possess many contacts with physicians in Switzerland.