Ask the Rabbi
HEALTH AND DIET
Editor's note: The month of Adar is attributed with the term 'Bari Mazlei' literally meaning 'Healthy Mazal'. The following are several excerpts from letters by the Rebbe relating to health and diet
Artificial Plant Growth
(From a letter of the Rebbe in the year 5728)
In reference to the matter you raise in your letter, relating to the endeavor to increase soil productivity by means of electrical currents, etc., I wish to make the following point (though, technically speaking, this is not my field).
It surprises me that no one has yet suggested doing basic research in the nutritive aspects of those plants and crops whose manner of growth has been artificially interfered with, whether by means of electricity or radiation, and the like, not to mention developments in hydroponics.
I think it is high time that a study was made of the effects of such foods upon humans in general, particularly those who are still going through physical growth and development, namely young people.
Even to a layman like myself, it seems incredible that the methods of speeding plant growth by means of techniques that are quite abnormal to it should have no effect on the food in relation to humans, who for thousands of years have been accustomed to eating only naturally-grown foods — all the more so, since the effects [of continually eating such food] would be cumulative.
Vegetarianism
Generally speaking, according to Kabbalah and Chassidus, such conduct has no place, as each of us is obligated to refine and elevate his quota of food. By denying oneself a certain type of food, one is unable to refine and elevate it. The only exception to the above are unique and particularly holy individuals.
Medical Procedures
With regard to the question of your and your mother's health, as in all questions of health, if there is any doubt, one should act on the unanimous advice of at least two specialists.
Aged Care Home
You ask whether it would be advisable for your mother to move to a Home at this time. Generally speaking, a change in surroundings which would, at the same time, also involve a change of care, for a person of her age, is in itself somewhat risky. All the more so when the change is from being together with one's children to a home among strangers. Therefore, I agree with the opinion of the doctor, which you quote in your letter that this would be risky and could be considered only if it was made absolutely sure that she would benefit from the change. The fact that your mother speaks favorably about it is not surprising, since she has not actually experienced being in a Home, and her imagination may delude her.
