Commentary for Avodah Zarah 54:11
ור' ישמעאל הני מילי בצינעא אבל בפרהסיא לא דתניא היה רבי ישמעאל אומר מנין שאם אומרים לו לאדם עבוד עבודת כוכבים ואל תהרג שיעבוד ואל יהרג ת"ל וחי בהם ולא שימות בהם יכול אפילו בפרהסיא ת"ל (ויקרא כב, לב) ולא תחללו את שם קדשי
And R. Ishmael? This is only meant when in private, but not in public; for it has been taught: R. Ishmael used to say: From where can we deduce that if they say to one, “Worship idol worship and you will not be killed,” that he may worship it so as not to be killed? Scripture says, “He shall live by them,” but not die by them. This might mean even in public, therefore Scripture says, “And you shall not profane My holy name” (Leviticus 22:32).
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
R. Ishmael holds that while one may worship idols in private to save one’s life, one may not do so in public for this would profane God’s name. Ben Dama’s act was in public, and therefore he did not have permission to be healed by the heretic.
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