Martyrs of Life

We say L'echaim and Am Israel Chai ! Chava's name means life. Yes, we ,as the Jewish people choose to live despite the indignities heaped upon us. Masada is an exception to the rule, and the Warsaw Ghetto uprising is something else completely! Indeed, they were choosing life ! The two incidents are NOT the same. Yes, women choose life by becoming mothers of the next generation of Jews, so that they also live under the strictures of Judaism, and the guidance of the rabbis in our midst . Yes, choosing life instead of a religion based on death itself ! Reply

Martyrs of G_odliness True martyrs are willing to lose their egoistic nature in order to connect to the Light of life to transform their nature.

Then they have the ability to disseminate this power to others - to be a "light to the nations of the world" Reply

No Such Thing as Death The soul being breathed into us by G-d is immortal. It inhabits a body, just as G-d created and filled the vacant space, to bring holiness, and allow Him to be known in the material world. We must liveeach moment as if we are about to die, and yet live, so that we make the most of our time here.

When one is sent here to perform a task by the King, you do not choose death, as that would be an insult. Instead you do what you are supposed to do, and when done, can then joyfully return to the Castle, to report to His angels on how well you performed during your stay here.

In closing, there is no life, no death, just G-d who is one, and all things one with Him. Everything else is at the end of the day an illusion. Reply

hmm ...
I don't get it.

1.Masada

2. Warsaw Ghetto

These martyrs chose death. Okay, they would have preferred to stay alive. You think Che or Guy Fawkes or Joan of Arc didn't want to live ? The Chinese student in front of the tank in Beijing ?

No big deal if i am wrong. Probably context. Reply

What is I rather stay alive too Reply

jewish martyrs WOW. short, but what a punch!!! i love how the quote is titled 'Martyrs for LIFE." it says so much - how greatly Jewish people -- of course above all, Jewish 'Martyrs' -- value life; and, yet (somehow) not questioning doing the ultimate to sanctify G-d!! personally i cannot even fathom this. However, in the same vein, surely the pediatric surgeon in michigan (8/6/2012) never gave a thought to jumping into a very rough Lake Michigan to save two children caught in riptides and drowning - despite his own children yelling for him not to go. the boys were saved -- the doctor lost his life. this may not be a 'Martyr' in the Jewish sense, but it's a love of life which is G-dly, don't you think? thank you Reply

gracious! the comments also make this insight feel so complete. thanks again. you are all a blessing. HUGS Reply

What a wise thing to say Did the rabbi write books that are available in English? Thank you very much Reply

Mamish Insane ...and equally inspiring and beautiful. Thank you! Reply

Let us live Wow. That gives me chills, especially right after Yom HaZikaron. Reply

Martyrdom and gender The Rabbi made a thought-provoking statement: one that genders the act of martyrdom as exclusively masculine, when in fact many women have also become martyrs. It could be restated, "What is unique about a Jewish martyr is that she would rather stay alive." Reply

Precious Statement! This is a precious statement. Immense wisdom is in it. Many thanks to Rabbi Freeman for sharing! Reply

Jewish Martyrs What is really unique according to Rebbe Zalman is that soul of Jew always wishes to return to it's source and leave the body. The body living in the animal world as it does, by clinging to life, allows the soul to use it, and elevate it for the holy purpose of making our world a place where G-d may dwell. So, do not be too hard on your body and animal soul, it's desire for life is the only reason the soul hangs around for mitzvot, and perhaps the ultimate mitzvot to sanctify G-d's name. Reply

Great quote!!! Reply