The Ethos of Masada in Halakhic Literature

Abstract

Josephus Flavius is the only source on the rebellion of Masada and the heroic mass suicide at its end. This tragic event was not mentioned in the Halakhic literature. Chazal, rabbinic sages, who lived at that time, didn’t mention it and one should wonder why. The common explanation is that Chazal were against committing suicide and did not want to raise the issue in a heroic context. However, thorough review of the rabbinic literature shows that Chazal did not have a problem with suicide. It all depended on the reason: suicide for religious principle was considered a positive and heroic act. But suicide due to a national principle was considered a negative act that shouldn’t be mentioned. That is why the events of Masada and Gamla are not mentioned in Chazal’s literature. This conception of ignoring the event of Masada in the Halakhic literature even in discussions about committing suicide has changed in the twentieth century.