Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit: Volume II

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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788 Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn, N.Y. 11213

5766 - 2006

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ISBN 978-1-4658-7598-3

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