Did you know that although the Jewish community makes up only 0.2% of the world population, 28% of the Nobel Peace Prize winners in medicine are Jewish? Yes, the Jewish community has always held the medical profession in high regard. In fact, although they have significantly contributed to all fields, they have tremendously influenced the development of medical science.
A few weeks ago, I came across a discussion on Quora. A member was asking why many Jews pursued a medical career. In his own words, he said about 80% of all his Jewish friends were in the medical field. While most people refuted his claim, I looked at statistics. And to my surprise, although the Jewish community represents only 2.4% of the American population, 14% of American doctors are Jewish.
Further into my research, I learned that the intersection of their culture, traditions, and intellectual pursuits has played a crucial role in shaping advancements in healthcare and overall well-being. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, this article will explore the historical and contemporary aspects of the medical contributions of the Jewish people, highlighting their impact on global health.
Historical Foundations
The roots of Jewish contributions to medicine can be traced back to ancient times. To begin with, the Torah, the central reference of the Jewish faith, contains numerous health-related laws emphasising the importance of cleanliness, care for skin, sexual life rules, rest, isolation and quarantine, and dietary regulations.
For instance, Jewish soldiers, after returning from war, were required to clean and disinfect all their belongings before they were allowed to come into contact with other people. This was to prevent them from spreading infectious diseases.
Similarly, anyone who touched a corpse was deemed unclean for seven days and was supposed to purify with water on the third and seventh day. These principles, often considered ahead of their time, laid the groundwork for a community that valued health and well-being.
Nonetheless, Jews still believed health and illnesses came from God. Although they held doctors in high regard, they still believed only God had the power to heal, and physicians were his instruments. These physicians came from the Levite tribe and were forbidden to practise if they had poor eyesight. The Torah instructed physicians to heal the sick, and the Talmud taught people to live in a community with a physician.
Moving on, Jewish scholars and physicians in the mediaeval Islamic world were instrumental in preserving and advancing medical knowledge. The works of figures like Maimonides, a Jewish physician and philosopher, became foundational texts in the study of medicine. Again, during the Renaissance, Jewish physicians played pivotal roles in the emergence of modern medicine. The emphasis on education within Jewish culture facilitated a strong tradition of learning, leading to breakthroughs in various medical disciplines.
Jewish communities also placed a high value on communal health, fostering a sense of responsibility for the well-being of others. The belief in “tikkun olam,” which translates to “repairing the world,”makes them philanthropists, supporting medical research, healthcare initiatives, and humanitarian efforts globally.
Cultural Practices and Wellbeing:
From ancient times, Judaism strongly emphasised community, family, and individual well-being. The Torah documents wellness practices that Jews were required to uphold, not just for religious purposes but also for their well-being and health.
For instance, the Kosher dietary laws detail the type of animals Jews are allowed to consume, how the animal should be killed, and ways of preparing the meat. To pick a few, they were only allowed to eat any animal that chewed its cud and had cloven hooves.
For water-living animals, they must have had fins and scales. Meat and dairy products were not to be consumed together, and any item used to prepare them had to be cleaned and kept separate. Most of these food choices align with modern notions of preventive medicine. Moreover, apart from the religious obligation, observing Shabbat (the day of rest) promotes overall physical and mental health.
Contribution to Medical Research
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Jewish scientists and researchers have been at the forefront of groundbreaking medical discoveries. Here are a few examples;
- Gertrude B. Elion -Developed drugs to treat leukaemia, autoimmune disorders, and gout.
- Jonas Salk – Developed the first effective polio vaccine
- Baruch Blumberg – Discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed the first hepatitis B vaccine
- Rosalyn Sussman Yalow – Developed the radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique for measuring substances in the blood.
Final Word
The Jewish community has been at the forefront of the medical revolution around the world. And as mentioned above, their culture, and ethical foundation has played a crucial role in the world of modern medicine. But, as we celebrate the milestones of the past, we also look forward to a future where the pursuit of health is a collaborative endeavour.
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