married for many years and has yet to be blessed with children:

In reply to your letter relating to your sister, who has been married for many years and has yet to be blessed with children:

I wonder why you did not mention whether they have consulted with fertility experts; if they have not as yet done so, they should do so now.

This is in keeping with the directive of our Sages, of blessed memory, who in commenting on the verse, "and he shall be healed," state: "From here we learn that the Torah gave a healer the ability [and power] to heal."

However, a Jew's physical and spiritual welfare are inextricably bound together, as they are "one nation on earth," and in the language of the Alter Rebbe: "This means that even in mundane ["earthly"] matters they will not be separated from G-d's true unity [and oneness]."

Therefore, they are to increase their performance of Torah and mitzvos [commandments] and strengthen their faith and trust in G-d, the Creator and Conductor of the entire world, that He watches over them with individual Divine Providence with regard to all the above.

In a case such as the above, it would also be appropriate for them to ascertain whether their shidduch with each other did not wound the pride of any Jewish young man or woman to the extent that it necessitates asking their forgiveness. [If they do have to ask forgiveness, they can do so] either in the presence of the aggrieved party or [if this is not possible,] in the aggrieved party's absence.

They should also check the husband's tefillin, as well as the mezuzos in their home, that they all be kosher according to Jewish law. Also, the wife should observe the custom of Jewish women of giving charity prior to lighting candles every Shabbos eve and every Yom Tov eve.


(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XVIII, p. 32)