The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 580:2) writes that today, the 27th of Sivan, is the day that Rebbe Chananya Ben Tradyon, one of the Asara Harugei Malchus (the Ten Great Martyrs) was burned together with a Sefer Torah--for he was caught learning and teaching Torah in violation of a Roman Decree. The vicious, barbaric Romans placed wet wool around him to slow the process, and despite the urgings of those around him, he refused to speed the process--to voluntarily give up any moments in this world which could never be replaced--by opening his mouth to suffocate or otherwise ingest the flames. Because of his horrifying and tragic passing, the Shulchan Aruch lists today as a Taanis Tzaddikim, a day of fasting by a select few.
The Gemara (Avoda Zara 17B-18A) relates that Rebbe Chananya was a Tzedaka collector. Once, his Tzedaka funds were mixed with money he set aside for Seudas Purim. To avoid any doubt whatsoever that he had misappropriated Tzedaka funds, he gave up all of his own money mixed into the pile, and donated it all to charity. Rashi there explains that this action showed he was a 'mevater with his money'--he did not act strictly when there were doubts as to who money really belonged. The Gemara further relates that Rebbe Chanya's rebbe, Rebbe Yossi Ben Kisma, foretold Rebbe Chananya's execution, and actually advised him that he would be a 'Ben Olam Haba' because of his conduct in the charity mix-up.
The Luach Dovor B'ito suggests that even if we cannot fast, we should do something to recognize the solemnity of the day. Some recommend that being especially careful in speech is a form of substitute for fasting (this would be an appropriate idea in light of the lesson of tomorrow's Parsha resulting from the tragic Lashon Hora of the Meraglim). Others suggest that giving Tzedaka is a form of substitute as well (as when Tefillin, Chas V'Shalom, fall). This would seem particularly appropriate for Rebbe Chananya--as his charitable deed was the act that, according to his rebbe, would make him a 'Ben Olam Habo'(!) Another fitting remembrance may be to discuss a Torah topic with another person today, for not only did Rebbe Chananya Ben Tradyon give his life for Torah teaching, but in this very week's Perek (Avos 3:3)--Rebbe Chananya himself recommends to us all that '...two who sit and speak Torah between them, the Shechinah dwells among them...'
We may not have known Rebbe Chananya personally--but we do refer to the Ten Great Martyrs on the solemn days of Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av. It behooves us to in some manner show our recognition and respect for Rebbe Chananya and his teaching--as the Shulchan Aruch--the Code of Jewish Law--itself records this date as a date to remember forever.
May our speech, our Torah, and Tzedaka today also make us 'Bnei Olam Haba'--and may we learn from Rebbe Chananya every day of the year both the importance of being 'mevater' when you are unsure about whose money it may be, and'what the value of a moment of life really means!
Important Numbers
