Igrot Kodesh · Letter 2583 — Health
Volume 8 · Letter 338
B"H
8 Nissan 5714,
Brooklyn.
Greetings and blessing,
Concerning the matter of fasting on Thursdays (see also letter no. 2346), I have already written to you, some time ago, that this practice is not in accord with the teaching that we have received from our holy masters.
The same is true for the recital of Tehillim* during the night. On the one hand, our minhag* is not to do so during the first half of the night. As for the second half, it may happen that one goes to bed later, but one cannot do so systematically, otherwise one would compromise one's health. A judicious avodas Hashem* and the study of Chassidus* would thus be compromised.
Consequently, you will decide, calmly, in what manner to act after speaking with Rav Nissan Nemanov of Brunoy, France. You will set your study of the revealed part of the Torah and of Chassidus*, but you will set aside fasts and night vigils.
May Hashem guide you on the right path in this domain.