Q&A: Rabbi Akiva in the Introduction to 'Walkers Among the Standing'
Rabbi Akiva in the Introduction to 'Walkers Among the Standing'
Question
Hello Rabbi. I started the book 'Walkers Among the Standing' and finished the book's general introduction, in which the Rabbi explains the topic of "on that day" throughout the Talmud. According to the Rabbi's explanation, I didn't understand why Rabbi Eliezer decreed upon Rabbi Akiva—who was the only one who learned from him during his exile—a death harsher than the other deaths. Page 29 of the book.
Thank you very much.
Answer
I'm not sure that he decreed it upon him, or whether he merely foretold his end. But it can be said that he saw this as a punishment for Rabbi Akiva's actions toward him, because Rabbi Akiva did come to learn from him and nevertheless did not change his colleagues' attitude toward Rabbi Eliezer. It's a bit like those who view the Reform or the Religious Zionists more severely than secular people.