Letters from the Rebbe

Eating and Diet


 

Translation of highlighted section:

Regarding eating and diet—it is not so much a matter of what one eats (provided that it is properly Kosher), but rather the intent behind the eating: whether it is solely to satisfy a craving or hunger, or for the sake of being healthy and consequently performing good deeds, etc.

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In this letter the Rebbe addresses two points. 
1. Listening to the doctor, and 
2. Fasting

The letter was written in 1957. It's in Yiddish. I've provided an English translation with the help of Google Gemini.



B"H, 19th of Adar Sheni, 5717 Brooklyn.

Greeting and Blessing;

After a long hiatus, I was pleased to receive your letter from the 12th of Adar Sheni.

Regarding what you write concerning the words of the doctors:

It is a well-known principle and the conduct of every Jew that one must behave according to the instructions of our Holy Torah. Since our Sages of blessed memory tell us that "The Torah has given the physician the permission [and authority] to heal," this is a clear indication that the physician is a messenger (shliach). Even if the messenger does not always know the "inner intent" [of the Mission], nevertheless, that which the messenger says regarding the practical action stems from the Sender (the Almighty). In this way, [following medical advice] is a matter of Torah.

It is therefore understood that even if one does not entirely understand, or if there are questions regarding the messenger—along the lines of what you wrote in your letter—this should have no influence on your compliance in doing what the doctor says. Therefore, I am certain that upon receiving this letter, you will begin to comply and do as the doctor says. May Hashem grant that this compliance and acting according to the doctors instructions shall bring extraordinary success in all matters.

It is also self-evident that the conduct of not eating on time, eating only once a day, and the like, is not at all the path of the Baal Shem Tov. We have heard many times from our holy Rebbes and leaders that the rule is "Azov Taazov Imo" (You shall surely help him)—[meaning one must work] with the body, but not through fasts and self-mortification.

I hope to receive a swift reply from you stating that you are starting to do as mentioned above. May it be [G-d's] will that it be with success.

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