Today, the 20th of Tevet, marks the passing of Moses Maimonides, named "the great eagle," master of law, philosophy, and medicine.
In his interactions with non-Jewish patients he was known for intercultural awareness and respect for the patient's autonomy.
Of course, Maimonides taught that in a rectified world order all people will recognize the truth of the Torah and abide by its commandments.
The Ba'al Shem Tov taught to bestow physical kindness on another soul and then to bestow spiritual kindness on him, to teach him Torah.
And so we may say that the Ba'al Shem Tov took the lead from Maimonides. First heal the body and then heal the soul.
