Recap: R’ Shimon Asya, a Chossid of the Alter Rebbe, learns medicine under Dr. Heibenthal, a doctor he knows quite well who shows special favour to the family of the Rebbeim.
At that time, a son of one of the wealthiest landlords, Lord Tzekret, a Polish minister, finished his studies. His brothers had studied in Paris; one travelled to Warsaw and joined the Officer’s Academy, the second one studied maths and astronomy. This third brother had studied under Dr. Heibenthal, and on Dr. Heibenthal’s instructions, Dr. Tzekret set up a Medical Academy, on his estate, about 7 Km from Lubavitch. Dr. Heibenthal agreed to stay with his beloved student Dr. Tzekret for three months, to help him establish his academy on firm foundations. His brother (the one who studied in Paris) established in his estate, around 20 Km from Lubavitch (and 2 Km from Krasnia station, later a station on the Brest-Moscow train line) an academy for maths and astronomy.
Dr. Heibenthal served in his position for 20 years. The wondrous stories of his cures increased daily, and his reputation spread. He then opened up his own pharmacy, not wanting to reveal the specific combinations he made his medicines from. He travelled overseas twice, and also travelled to Petersburg.
... The account of the Minister became known in Petersburg, in the highest echelons. They offered Dr. Heibenthal to move there, which he refused. When he saw that the instructions to come to Petersburg strengthened, he became very upset, and applied for a removal from his post, which was fulfilled. This occurred in 5603. He no longer visited patients other than by personal demand, and another Ispekter was appointed in his place.
R’ Shimon Asya had connections in the Medical Bureau. He would ask the new Ispekter for advice on easier matters, saving his connections with Dr. Heibenthal for irregular circumstances.
In 5615, Dr. Heibenthal visited Lubavitch when my grandfather, The Rebbe Maharash fell ill, his life in great danger, as will be explained elsewhere.
In 5605, R’ Shimon Asya left Vitebsk, moving to Yanovitch, where he became Doctor of the city and the surrounding area. It once happened that one of the Lords fell ill, and R’ Shimon didn’t know who to call, Dr. Heibenthal (who he thought would come if expressly invited), or the new Inspekter, since Dr. Heibenthal was considered a Refuser - (not an insubordinate, just a refuser) on following the instructions of the upper echelons of the government (by refusing to travel to Petersburg).
This was his question to the Tzemach Tzedek, and to this is the reply the Rebbe Maharash responds in letter 2, which was written around 5609-5610. In 5615, R’ Shimon abandoned medical practice due to his advanced age, living a peaceful life. Letter 3, sent by the Rebbe Maharash was written in 5622-5623.
In 5628, R’ Shimon Asya passed away at an old age, as promised in the Brocho he was blessed by the G-dly man, The Alter Rebbe.
Letter 1: Written between 5603-5605
To my close friend, Rav Shimon
When his honour was in our camp, his honour assured that he would speak with the new Ispekter about the bandage. Please, inform me through the bearer of the letter.
Your Friend, Mendel
Letter 2: Written in 5609 or 5610
My honoured friend, the famed rabbi and magnate, Rav Shimon Asya
His letter was received, and I fulfilled his request. I am to answer him, as with regards to his question whether to bring a doctor, and which one, consult with three close friends, and whatever they instruct, may Hashem send his advice and heal her amongst all other Jews, sending her a complete cure.
May he receive Life and peace from the Master of Peace,
Your close friend,
Shmuel
Letter 3: Written om 5619 or 5620
My honoured friend, the famed rabbi and magnate, Rav Shimon Asya, the Doctor of Yanovitch,
After seeing my letter to my friend Rav Avrohom Yaakov, I ask your honour to please copy the prescription written by Dr. Orlavske of Orsha, sending it through the bearer of this letter. If the Doctor is not currently present, you probably know how to write a prescription, and about the illness carried. Please respond in full detail, as soon as possible, not delaying the messenger, as I need to know as soon as possible.
Your friend, who truly desires your good,
Shmuel.
The End.
Published By Vaad Habochrim Melbourne. No part of this may be reproduced without the explicit permission of Vaad Habochrim Melbourne.
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Source: Reshimas HeChosid R’ Shimon Rofeh.
Translated by Elchonon Greenbaum. Edited by Mendel Sufrin. Special Thanks to Yoss Rosenbaum. Hebrew text reprinted with permission from Kehot Publication Society. The Rebbe photo is the property of JEM.
