He told us also
the story of the Ten Martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to sanctify
the God of Israel. He told us of the mother and her seven children
that were killed for having refused to bow before idols; and he told
us many more such things. All those saints and martyrs, he said,
are now in Paradise, enjoying the bliss of the Divine Presence.
That night I really envied those saints; I longed with all my heart
to be forced to bow to idols, to have to withstand all sorts of
trials, so as to enjoy, after my death, the bliss of the Divine
Presence in Paradise.
Many more stories the rabbi told us; many more words of warning,
encouragement, and praise came from his lips, till I really believed
I was the one whom God had picked out from among my equals, to be
put through great trials and temptations. . . .
Morning came, and the guard entered the prison. Then the rabbi
turned towards us, and said: "Lambs of the God of Israel, we have to
part now: I am going to be lashed and imprisoned for having entered
this place by a trick, and you will be taken into exile, to undergo
your trials! I may hardly expect to be found worthy of surviving
till you return.
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