The Wrong Time for Reflection
The appropriate time for introspection; constant self-searching interferes with religious duties; taking care of health is part of Divine service
By the Grace of G-d
16th of Shevat, 5714
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. ...
New Haven, Conn.
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your letter of the 4th of Shevat. Because of the intervening 10th of Shevat, yahrzeit of my Father-in-law of saintly memory, I was unable to reply to you sooner. And now, too, there is an accumulation of work which prevents me from writing more than a few lines.
I was pleased to see that you have taken the trouble to write to me in detail, and I hope that you will continue to do so in the future.
With regard to the question of introspection and self-searching, my Father-in-law of saintly memory used to emphasize that one should not indulge in this continually. There are certain times which have been set aside for self-examination and thoughts of self-improvement, such as the month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance, etc. And, although every day one has to practice “turn away from evil and do good,” reviewing the past and the like should not preoccupy one’s mind all the time, since that would interfere with and weaken the proper discharge of our religious duties in our daily life.
In your case, I see that although you feel much better, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Your first thought should be to get well physically, following the instructions of the physician, remembering what Maimonides ruled (Hilechoth Deoth, beginning Chapter 4) to the effect that taking care of one’s health is also one of the ways of serving G-d.
May G-d bless you with good health that you and your wife bring up your children to a life of Torah, Chupah and good deeds.
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
