The Executioner: Avodah Zarah 18a

Our Rabbis taught: When Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma was ill, Rabbi Chanina ben Teradion visited him.  Rabbi Yosi said to Rabbi Channina, 'My brother, don't you know that the Romans have been given rule over us by Heaven?  The Romans destroyed G-d's house (the temple), burned G-d's palace, killed G-d's pious ones and destroyed all of G-ds good, and yet they endure.  I've heard that you are still sitting studying Torah and gathering assemblies to learn, with a Torah scroll in your bosom (which is against the Roman's decree)!

Rabbi Chanina replied to Rabbi Yosi, 'May you receive mercy from Heaven.'

Rabbi Yosi said, 'I'm giving you sound advice, and you say to me, 'May you receive mercy from Heaven?!'  I'm afraied that the Romans will burn you and your Torah scroll.'

Rabbi Chanina asked, 'Rabbi, do I have a share in Heaven?'

Rabbi Yosi replied, 'Tell me of your actions.'

Rabbi Chanina said, 'I confused the money I had set aside for a Purim feast with my charity box, and distributed half of the money to the poor.'

Rabbi Yosi said, 'In such a case, may my portion be like yours, and my lot like yours!'

It was taught, that not many days passed until Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma died.  All of the great Romans came to bury Rabbi Yosi and eulogize him.  When the Romans were returning from the grave, they found Rabbi Chanina ben Teradion sitting, teaching Torah in public assemblies with a Torah Scroll in his bosom.

The Romans folded the Torah scroll around Rabbi Chanina, wrapped him in ropes, lit a fire, and brought wet wool sponges, placing them on Rabbi Chanina's body so the Rabbi would not die swiftly.

Rabbi Chanina's daughter said, 'Father, how can I see you thus?'

Rabbi Chanina said to his daughter, 'If I alone was burned, it would have been hard for me.  Now that I am burning with a Torah scroll, I know the One who will respond to the disgrace of a Torah scroll will also see after my disgrace.'

Rabbi  Chanina's students asked, 'Rabbi, what do you see?'

Rabbi Chanina replied, 'I see paper burning and [the Torah's] letters flying.'

His students said, 'You should open your mouth and let the fire enter [thus ending your suffering]!'

Rabbi Chanina replied, 'I would prefer the One who gave me my soul should take it rather than my harming myself.'

The executioner said, 'Rabbi, if I take the sponges away and fan the flames, will you bring me to heaven?'

Rabbi Chanina said, 'Yes.'

The executioner said, 'Swear it.'  Rabbi Chanina swore.

The executioner immediately increased the flames and took the sponges away.  Rabbi Chanina died quickly, and the executioner jumped, falling into the flames.

A heavenly voice proclaimed 'Rabbi Chanina ben Teradion and the executioner are accepted into Heaven!'

Rabbi Meir cried [when he heard the story] and said, 'There are those who acquire their share in Heaven in one moment, and other who acquire it over many years.'