Berachos 62a § 1
The Death of Akiva
View Mode
Passage Content
When they took Rabbi Akiva out to be executed, it was
time for the recitation of Shema. And they were raking
his flesh with iron combs, and he was reciting Shema,
thereby accepting upon himself the yoke of Heaven.
time for the recitation of Shema. And they were raking
his flesh with iron combs, and he was reciting Shema,
thereby accepting upon himself the yoke of Heaven.
| Students: | Our teacher, even now, as you suffer, you recite Shema? |
| Akiva: | All my days I have been troubled
by the verse: With all your soul, meaning: Even if God takes your soul. (I would say to myself) When will the opportunity be afforded me to fulfill this verse? Now that it has been afforded me, shall I not fulfill it? |