Abstract
Moses Maimonides, the illustrious medieval rabbi and philosopher, dedicated the last decade of his life primarily to medicine. His strong interest in medicine was an integral component of his religious-philosophical teachings and world view. In this paper various sources from his rabbinic writings are presented that explain Maimonides’ motivation regarding and deep appreciation for medicine: (A) The physician fulfills the basic biblical obligation to return lost objects to their owner, for with his knowledge and experience the physician can restore good health to his sick fellow human being; (B) medicine provides a unique opportunity to practice imitatio dei, as it reflects the religious duty to maintain a healthy life-style; (C) as an important natural science, medicine offers tools to recognize, love, and fear God. These three aspects address man’s relationship and obligation towards his fellow-man, himself and God. Biographical insights supported by additional sources from Maimonides’ writings are discussed.
Highlights
Moses Maimonides, renowned Talmudist, philosopher, Jewish community leader, and physician, harmoniously integrated in his life outstanding achievements in various fields.[1]
This paper presents three sections (A, B, and C) from Maimonides’ rabbinical writings that deal with his motive for studying science and medicine
David said: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers – what is man that You are mindful of him?” (Ps. 8:4–5). In harmony with these sentiments, I shall explain some large, general aspects of the Works of the Sovereign of the Universe, that they may serve the intelligent individual as a door to the love of God, even as our sages have remarked in connection with the theme of the love of God, “Observe the Universe and you will realize Him who spoke and the world was...”[37]. Studying the natural sciences including medicine is a fulfillment of the religious duty to recognize, love, and fear God, on the one hand, and to develop the appropriate attitude and modesty for human beings, on the other
Summary
Moses Maimonides, renowned Talmudist, philosopher, Jewish community leader, and physician, harmoniously integrated in his life outstanding achievements in various fields.[1].
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