5826 —הקלת העבודה במקום עזיבת המשרה בקהלה בשעת חולי

B"H, 6th of Marcheshvan, 5718

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In reply to your letter of Tuesday, in which you write about the state of your health and the doctors' opinion regarding your position, and how this has affected the people of your congregation, and their complaints about it.

But I hope that, on reflection, one can surely find a way to lighten your work in the position, so that the doctor too will be satisfied. Taking into account that doctors too concede that a person needs an occupation (though not beyond his strength), while idleness, going about with nothing to do, is not good at all, even for the health of the body (see Kesubos 59b: שהבטלה מביאה לידי שיעמום "for idleness leads to dullness of mind"), I reckon that the doctor will not only agree that you remain in your present place and keep the position in a lighter way, but will even advise you to do precisely that; all the more so since זכות הרבים מסייעתו "the merit of the many assists him" (cf. Avos 2:2: שזכות אבותם מסייעתן "for the merit of their fathers assists them," said of those who work for the community). For by being in the congregation you surely do much for Yiddishkeit, and with it also for spreading Chassidus and its concerns, and the merit of the many will assist you toward a speedy recovery, an improvement in health, and success in all your affairs.

Awaiting good news in all the above.

Summary

This letter advises a man whose health has been questioned by his doctors not to leave his post in the congregation but to lighten the load, since a measured occupation is healthier than idleness, and the merit of the many whom he serves in Yiddishkeit and in spreading Chassidus will bring him recovery and success.