Living Torah Archives

May G–d bless you by healing all your patients. Then you can focus on practicing preventive medicine for healthy people. Instruct your patients about kosher diet and lifestyle, which will bring them G–d Almighty’s blessings.

May your primary work as a doctor be in preventive medicine. But since there are those who, for now, need to be healed, may you merit to utilize G-d’s permission for a doctor to cure, in a good and successful manner. (Collage)

On the night of Shemini Atzeres in 1977, the Rebbe suffered a severe heart attack. This is a video collage showing the Rebbe in conversation with the doctors who treated him at the time. (Collage)

After spending a month at his ill father’s bedside, Dr. Stuart Ditchek had the unique privilege of meeting privately with the Rebbe. The Rebbe brought to light a common connection the two of them shared, and gave him an open invitation to visit. (1986)

Dr. Mordechai Shani is an Israeli physician and medical Professor. Intrigued by the Rebbe’s words to him one Simchas Torah, he decided to follow up with a private audience. The meeting, which discussed developments in healthcare, continues to impact him today. (1976)

As a doctor, you should heal as many Jews as possible, and non-Jews, as well. Best would be to have healthy patients, and to earn your livelihood from preventative medicine.

“The word ‘Esrog’ forms an acronym for the verse: ‘Let not the foot of arrogance overtake me.’ This is especially pertinent to a successful doctor, that he should never claim: ‘My own strength has brought me my success.’”

Dr. Ira Weiss served as the Rebbe’s chief cardiologist from 1977 to 1994.

Go ahead with the angioplasty, but the one performing it must be a specialist. It’s better to get these procedures over with as soon as possible—but not on a Friday before Shabbos.