A gorgeous micrography lithograph by David Yohanan, signed by the artist, created and printed in Jerusalem. This is the Physician's prayer writen by the famous Medieval Jewish physician Moses Maimonides (the Rambam, 1137-1204). Below is a translation:

God above, before I begin my holy work, healing Your creation [human beings], I lay my plea before You, that You will grant me the strength of spirit and the vast energy to do my work with faith, and that the aspiration to accumulate wealth will not blind my eyes from seeing one who is suffering, one who comes for my [professional] advice, as a human being, [whether] rich or poor, friend or foe, the good and the evil person, in his sorrowful moment reveal to me only the human being in him. My love for the learning of medicine should only strengthen my spirit, only the truth shall be the light before my feet, for any weakness in my work might bring about death and illness to Your creation. I beg you, please, compasionate and gracious God, strengthen and focus my body and my soul and plant within me a spirit that is whole.

translation by Noga Hullman ? 2001

The face in the piece is of the Rambam. The most renowned Jewish physician in the Middle Ages, who was also a distinguished rabbi and philosopher, was Moses Maimonides (the Rambam, 1137-1204). Born in Cordoba, he fled to Fez. Later he went to Palestine and then to Cairo, where he became a physician at the court of Saladin and his sons. Maimonides had a prodigious literary output, including extensive writing on medical matters. These were written at the end of his life, after his monumental halakhic and philosophical works. Maimonides strongly believed in prophylactic medicine. In his Guide to the Perplexed he wrote: "Among a thousand persons only one dies a natural death: the rest succumb early in life owing to ignorant or irregular behavior." Maimonides considered the study of medicine a very important factor of Jewish ethics. It helps to maintain the fitness of the body and enables [man] to purify and raise his strength to an uplifted ethical plane."

This is a wonderful addition to physician's office or as a gift for anyone in the medical field.

Measures: 11 x 13 inches.

David Yohanan's work is not sold outside of Israel, this is the only place on the Internet to find his work.

David Yohanan was born in Tiberius (Tveria), Israel in 1971.

Already at an early age it was evident that he had extraordinary painting talents, and he was considered a child prodigy. At 12 years old, he participated in a national painting competition, reaped many accolades, and took First Prize. In 1987, he moved to Jerusalem and enrolled in the Betzalel School of Art, which also pursuing Judaic Studies in a yeshiva, and achieved mastery as a Scribe (Sofer Stam - Sofer Torah Umezusot).

His dual talents are evidenced in the remarkable combinations of writing and decorations on klaf (holy parchments), incorporating symbols and quotations from the Bible, and Jerusalem scapes. Examples of his artistic creations include a Megilat Esther (scroll of the Book of Esther), ktubot (wedding agreements), depictions of pitum haktoret (the Temple incense mixture) and more.

He has drawn hundreds of paintings in charcoal, aquatint, acrylic, oil and watercolors. His painting techniques include illuminations, microcaligraphy, papercuts and vitrage. The interweaving of colors and varied shapes give his paintings depth and exhibit remarkable creativity. In addition, the artist has shown great interior design talents; he designs aronot kodesh (Torah scroll arks) and Judaica art ornaments. Mr. Yohanan has recently put out a series of original and unique Calligraphy paintings.

His works of art are recognized widely in the art world, and adorn the homes of many famous people throughout the world.

Shipping and handling to any location Worldwide from Jerusalem, Israel is only $19.99.

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