Halocho #834 - Who was burnt to death with a Sefer Torah?

The Shulchan Aruch says that it's appropriate to fast tomorrow - Wednesday 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 - G-d's presence - is with them.
- Even when a lone Jew learns Torah (like a Halocho a Day), Hashem takes note and rewards him.

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

- Danny
Tuesday, 26 Sivan 5771

Since I am unemployed now, Halocho-a-Day will be sporadic. For my CV see http://il.linkedin.com/in/doniels