When recalling his visits with other disciples at the court of his Rebbe, the Maggid of Mezritch, the Alter Rebbe would say, “When we were at the Maggid’s table, miracles used to roll about freely on the floor; we didn’t even bother to pick them up.”

For forty-three years, miracles have rolled freely on the floor in “770” and yet, by and large, they were not picked up. Stories of miracles were told at chassidic gatherings, but they were never the focus of attention.

Why? Because like the Maggid’s disciples, the Rebbe’s followers were much more involved with putting into practice the Rebbe’s far-reaching vision, than relating the wonders that he brought about.

Why, then, are we now telling such stories? To help us realize that our reality is not restricted to the limitations of our physical environment, and that there is more to our world than material substance and natural law.

In Tanya,1 the Alter Rebbe cites a teaching of our Sages “Originally, G‑d thought to create the world with the attribute of stern judgment; He saw, however, that the world could not endure, so He blended it with the attribute of mercy” and explains that the attribute of mercy refers to “the revelation of G‑dliness through tzaddikim.”

In order to enable us to appreciate the extent of our innate spiritual capacity, G‑d grants us righteous men who are able to bring about change that defies the accustomed limits of nature.

This chapter relates many wondrous stories concerning health (thus directly relating to the quality of mercy mentioned in Tanya). At the same time, our Sages2 advise us not to rely on miracles. Thus the chapter also includes several stories highlighting the practical advice that the Rebbe most often gives with regard to health problems: to provide a natural conduit for Divine blessings, consult a doctor who is a friend.