בבא מציעא צא

A Jew who was sentenced to hang was asked whether he had a last request. “Yes,” he said. “I want a Priest so I can convert.” He was told that his request would be granted but that it would not save him from the gallows. His decree is final. He said he understood but nevertheless wanted to convert. The Priest came, sprinkled water on him, and declared him a Catholic. When the jailers came to take him to the gallows, the Priest sought to accompany him. But the מומר told him to get lost. Puzzled, the Priest asked if he felt that way, why did he convert? “I didn’t want a Jew to die,” he said. “Better that they hang a גוי.”

06/10/2021