Eleh Ezkerah (10 Martyrs) page from Midrash Eleh Ezkerah, Constantinople , 1620. By Rabbi Lee Diamond. On Yom Kippur we will read the prayer or legend entitled Eleh Ezkerah or the Ten Martyrs. This prayer or “midrash” describes an event which is reported to have taken place in Caesarea an ancient Roman /Jewish city on the Mediterranean coast.
The ancient Roman Theatre in Caesarea.
It was from Caesarea that the great revolt against Rome began in the year 66 C.E. Some 69 years later with the tragic defeat of Bar Kochba and his forces, Rabbi Akiva and other rabbinical leaders were brought specifically to Caesarea and tortured for their support of this revolution against Rome.
“Ishmael and Simeon were the first to be taken to the place of execution, where a dispute arose between them as to which should be executed first, each desiring to precede the other in order that he should be spared the sight of the martyrdom of his colleague. Thereupon the emperor ordered lots to be cast, and the lot fell on Simeon, whose head was stricken from his body with a sword. Ishmael was flayed; he suffered with great fortitude, and began to weep only when his executioners reached the place of the phylacteries. The third victim was Akiba, whose flesh was torn off with a carding-implement. While undergoing the torture he recited the Shema’ with a peaceful smile on his face. Astonished at his extraordinary courage, his executioner asked him if he was a sorcerer that he could so easily overcome the pain he was suffering, to which Akiba replied, “I am no sorcerer, but I rejoice that I am permitted to love God with my life.” He died at the last words of the Shema’—”God is One.” The fourth martyr was Hananiah ben Teradion, who was wrapped in a scroll of the Law and placed on a pyre of green brushwood; to prolong his agony wet wool was placed on his chest. “Wo is me,” cried his daughter, “that I should see thee under such terrible circumstances!” “I should indeed despair,” replied the martyr, “were I alone burned; but since the scroll of the Torah is burning with me the Power that will avenge the offense against the Law will avenge me also.” His disciples then asked: “Master, what seest thou?” He answered: “I see the parchment burning while the letters of the Law soar upward.” His disciples then advised him to open his mouth that the fire might enter and the sooner put an end to his sufferings; but he refused to do so, saying, “It is best that He who hath given the soul should also take it away: no man may hasten his death.” Thereupon the executioner removed the wool, fanned the flame, thus accelerating the end, and then himself plunged into the fire.”
A visit to Caesarea for the average tourist is often an archeological visit to an ancient site with ancient stones which can be interesting or not. One can see an ancient hippodrome, a Roman theatre a Roman aqueduct, an ancient port and much more.
However a “venues and values” visit to Caesarea created by Rabbi Lee Diamond and Israel Celebration Tours can transform this site into an experience of awe, of spirituality of Jewish identification and allow Jewish history and its messages to live in our lives. In short we allow the ancient stones speak to us.
Imagine a visit to Caesarea which deals with these value concepts:
Why did the revolt start in Caesarea, a major Roman Jewish city of the time?
Why in later years did the Romans choose this location for the martyrdom of Akiva and other rabbis?
Is martyrdom a Jewish value?
Could Akiva and the other martyrs have avoided torture and death? How?
Is it not better to compromise and live for ones’ values and beliefs than to die for them?
Is there a parallel between the martyrdom of the Rabbis and the story of Masada?
There is a midrash which states that the Romans were fulfilling the punishment due to the brothers of Joseph, who sold him into slavery, by murdering the 10 Rabbis. Thus according to the midrash the Romans were fulfilling God’s will!!!!
What do you think of this legend?
A Roman sarcophagus on display in Caesarea
Provided by antiquities department Israel
Image of Akiva
If you want to learn more about Lee Diamond and celebration tours go to: Celebration Tours
