Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8547 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

24 Teves* 5723,

Brooklyn, New York,

I bless you and greet you,

I respond to your letter of the 19th of Cheshvan* (note 1: This letter is addressed to a woman), in which you tell me about your state of health and you communicate to me the opinion of the doctors (note 2: It concerns, in this case, a gynecological condition). Of the two solutions proposed, the operation or the radiation, it is fitting to opt for the first, of course with the agreement of a Rav who decides the Halachah*. Indeed, one cannot systematically foresee in advance what will result from the radiation and it is not always possible to take all the necessary precautions (note 3: To avoid the side effects).

The custom, in such a case, is as follows. One must take counsel with two doctors who are specialists in the matter, in addition to the agreement of the Rav, as I was saying. May Hashem guide you toward what will be good for you, from all points of view. Without doubt, you surely observe the positive custom of Jewish women, which consists of giving Tzedakah*, each time you light the candles, on the eve of Shabbos* and the festivals. With my blessing to give me good news of all this,