While they were in jail, Rabban Shimon cried out, “Woe to us that we have to be put to death like common heathen and murderers!” When Rabi Yishmael heard these words, he wondered if there might not be some reason for the decree. Perhaps Rabban Shimon had once refused to admit a poor and hungry man to his house while he was eating a meal; or perhaps Rabban Shimon had once felt proud while expounding halacha to the large crowd of Jews who had gathered at Har HaBayis to hear him speak. Rabban Shimon replied that he hadn’t been guilty of either act. He said, “This punishment is rather a heavenly decree, which no human being can escape” (Avos D’Rabbi Nosson 38:3).
On the 25th of Sivan, Rabban Shimon and Rabi Yishmael were brought to the place of execution. Midrash Eleh Ezkerah recounts what happened next: “Caesar entered, with all the dignitaries of Rome following after him. He said to them, ‘Who should be killed first?’ Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel answered, ‘I am a prince and the son of a prince, a descendant of David, king of Israel. I should be killed first.’ Rabi Yishmael answered, ‘I am the Kohen Gadol, the son of a Kohen Gadol, a descendant of Aharon the Kohen. I should be killed first so that I don’t have to witness the death of my friend.’ Caesar said, ‘This one says I should be killed first, and this one says I should be killed first. Therefore, they shall draw lots.’”
As we know, the lot fell to Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel and he was beheaded. Rabi Yishmael mourned for his friend, wailing, “Where is the Torah, and where is its reward? The tongue that used to expound the Torah in seventy languages – how can it now lick the dust?” (Midrash Eleh Ezkerah).
However, Rabi Yishmael’s bitter lament was soon cut short. It was now his turn to face the Divine decree.
Next Week: These I Will Remember —Rabi Yishmael Kohen Gadol
