Commentary for Avodah Zarah 35:13
יצאה בת קול ואמרה רבי חנינא בן תרדיון וקלצטונירי מזומנין הן לחיי העולם הבא בכה רבי ואמר יש קונה עולמו בשעה אחת ויש קונה עולמו בכמה שנים
“Yes,” he replied. “Then swear to me.” He swore to him. He thereupon increased the flame and removed the tufts of wool from over his heart, and his soul departed speedily. The Executioner then jumped and threw himself into the fire. And a heavenly voice came forth and exclaimed: R. Hanina b. Teradion and the Executioner are invited to life in the world to come. Rabbi wept and said: One may acquire eternal life in a single hour, another after many years.
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
The Executioner now becomes a martyr himself, thereby acquiring eternal life through one act. Note that the act is twofold—first of all, he eases R. Hanina’s death. This seems to be sanctioned. R. Hanina is not allowed to hasten his own death, but he may allow the executioner to do so. And then he martyrs himself as well.
Rabbi’s commentary here is the same as it was in the previous story.
Rabbi’s commentary here is the same as it was in the previous story.
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