Page 219 - ירושלים: גיליון רפואי

The Wisdom of Physicians

The first real evidence of the existence of medicine as a profession in Jerusalem is a bulla
(imprint) found in the City of David. The bulla, from the early 6th century BCE, bears the
inscription: “Tobshalem son of Zakur the physician.” Throughout the chronicles of the
city, there are reminders of physicians of all religions who worked amidst the Jerusalem
population and were the pillars of their communities.
Doctors ease suffering and prolong life; these deeds could be perceived as interfering with
the acts of the Lord, in whom believers are commanded to put their trust: “For I am the
Lord, your healer” (Exodus 15:26). Thus, undivided faith would bring recovery. In contrast,
the phrase“... and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed“ (Exodus 21:19) has been
interpreted as allowing a doctor who has faith in the Lord to practice his profession.
Doctors are required to have broad knowledge and experience. In the exhibit “The Wisdom
of Physicians,” medical books from Jerusalem and books that were used by the city’s doctors
in their research and work are on display. In addition, doctors’ symbols, their official
signatures, and the instruments they used to practice the art of medicine are shown.

217 ■ ‫חכמת הרופאים‬