Joshua Lorki facts for kids

Joshua ben Joseph ibn Vives al-Lorqui (from Lorca) was a Spanish-Jewish doctor who lived around the year 1400. He lived in a town called Alcañiz.

In 1408, a rich and important person named Benveniste ben Solomon ben Labi asked Joshua to write a book. This book was about how different foods and medicines affect the body. It was first written in Arabic. Later, Benveniste's son, Joseph Vidal, translated it into Hebrew. The Hebrew title was Gerem ha-Ma'alot.

Some historians think this Joshua al-Lorqui might be the same person who wrote a letter to his friend, Solomon ha-Levi. Solomon ha-Levi later became known as Paul de Burgos. This Joshua was also a doctor in Alcañiz. He was good friends with Benveniste ben Labi and even attended Moses Benveniste's wedding.

In his letter, Joshua shared his surprise that Paul de Burgos decided to change his faith. He wondered what reasons could have led Paul to do this. He thought it might be for ambition, wealth, power, or even doubt about his original faith. Joshua then presented several arguments to discuss the beliefs of Christianity. In the end, he asked Paul if a person must always question the truth of their own religion.

This letter was sent to Paul de Burgos when Paul held a very high position. He lived in luxury and had many servants. It is believed that he had already been chosen to teach the young king, Juan II of Castile.

Joshua's Family

His Father: Joseph ben Joshua ibn Vives al-Lorqui

Joshua Lorki's father was also named Joseph ben Joshua ibn Vives al-Lorqui. He was a doctor and passed away before 1372. He worked on improving a Hebrew translation of a book called Millot Higgayon by Moses Maimonides. He dedicated his revised work to his student, Ezra ben Solomon ibn Gatigno. He also wrote a book called Sefer Yesodot.

His Son: Joseph ben Joshua ibn Vives al-Lorqui

Joshua also had a son named Joseph ben Joshua ibn Vives al-Lorqui. He was also a doctor and died before 1408. He translated several books from Arabic into Hebrew. These books were part of a shorter version of Avicenna's famous medical book. He also added his own notes to these translations. These notes were later used by another scholar named ShemṬob Shaprut.

See also

In Spanish: Jerónimo de Santa Fe para niños