Martyrs of Life

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.

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.

I rather stay alive too

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

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

Did the rabbi write books that are available in English? Thank you very much

...and equally inspiring and beautiful. Thank you!

Wow. That gives me chills, especially right after Yom HaZikaron.

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."

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