Igrot Kodesh · Letter 646 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

21 Tammuz 5710,

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem,

Rav I.,[1]

I greet you and bless you.

I received your letter and thank you for the news you transmitted to me.

Since you find yourself in the country with your family, may Hashem grant that this stay have a positive contribution and give you physical health and strength. My father-in-law, the Rebbe, used to say in the name of his father, the Rebbe[2]: "How precious is the Jewish body, for which so much Torah has been poured forth!"[3]

You will consult the Rambam, Hilchos Deos chapter 4, who says: "Having a healthy and strong body is part of the ways of Hashem."

But one can also deduce from all this how important it is for the soul to be in good health. And, if one must be concerned with this throughout the year, how much more should one do so when one is strengthening his physical health, so that the "strength of the body" not be the "weakness of the soul," Hashem forbid, according to the expression of the Zohar, vol. 1, p. 180b. You will also consult what the tractate Shabbos 147b says about the waters of Diomesis.[4]

My purpose is not to develop a commentary, but rather to underline for you the metamorphosis that is necessary in such a situation. The days of strengthening the body must, in fact, also be devoted to strengthening the soul, by adopting a Torah study specific to this vacation period, by seeking to encourage other people who come to rest in the same place as you, or nearby, to study Torah, to pray with fervor, and to do good deeds, each one according to his level.

Sometimes, it is even good to explain to them that no one knows the secrets of Divine Providence, and perhaps you have all gathered in this place only to add a few precious stones to the crown of the King, King of kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.

My father-in-law, the Rebbe, has indeed given the assurance that an effort will never remain in vain.

He is faithful in his promises, and one can trust him.

Wishing you to spend the summer in good physical and moral health, and greeting all yours,

M. Schneerson