Halocho #586 - Who was burnt to death with a Sefer Torah?

The Shulchan Aruch says that it's appropriate to fast today - 27 Sivan - since about 2,000 years ago on this date, the Romans wrapped the great Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon in a Sefer Torah, and burnt him to death.

Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon was one of the 10 martyrs.

King David started Tehilim - Psalms - by declaring: "Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the gathering of the scornful".

Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon taught (Avot 3:3):
- A "gathering of the scornful" is when Jews sit together and don't discuss Torah-related topics.
- When Jews do discuss Torah then the Shechina - Gcd's presence - is with them.
- Even when a lone Jew learns Torah (like a Halocho a Day), Hashem takes note and rewards him/her.

Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:2

Read about the 10 martyrs at http://www.answers.com/topic/ten-martyrs 
Read about Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon at http://www.answers.com/topic/haninah-ben-teradion

Yom Kippour Katan will be tomorrow in anticipation of Rosh Chodesh Tammuz which will be on Shabbat & Sunday .

- Danny
Wednesday, 27 Sivan 5770