Talmud Bavli
Talmud Bavli

Commentary for Avodah Zarah 35:10

הביאוהו וכרכוהו בס"ת והקיפוהו בחבילי זמורות והציתו בהן את האור והביאו ספוגין של צמר ושראום במים והניחום על לבו כדי שלא תצא נשמתו מהרה אמרה לו בתו אבא אראך בכך אמר לה אילמלי אני נשרפתי לבדי היה הדבר קשה לי עכשיו שאני נשרף וס"ת עמי מי שמבקש עלבונה של ס"ת הוא יבקש עלבוני

They took hold of him, wrapped him in the Sefer Torah, placed bundles of twigs round him and set them on fire. They then brought tufts of wool, which they had soaked in water, and placed them over his heart, so that he should not die quickly. His daughter exclaimed, “Father, that I should see you in this state!” He replied, “If I being burned alone it would have been difficulty for me; but now that I am burning together with the Sefer Torah, He who will have regard for the injury done to the Torah will also have regard for the injury to me.”

Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah

The cruelty of the Romans is highlighted when they attempt to delay his death. And the bravery, dedication and martyrdom of R. Hanina is emphasized by the fact that he embraces his death. In my reading, the reason that he wishes to hold the Torah is to emphasize what he is being martyred for. If people do not know this, then his martyrdom has no value.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
Previous VerseFull ChapterNext Verse