The Fear of Death

Rava sat before R. Naḥman and saw that R. Naḥman was slipping into death. R. Naḥman said, “Master, say something to him [the Angel of Death] so he will not torment me.” Rava replied, “Master, are you yourself not an important person [who could speak directly to the Angel of Death]?” R. Naḥman replied, “Who is ultimately important? Who is ultimately honorable? Who is ultimately firm?”

Rava said to R. Naḥman, “Master, appear to me [in a dream after your death].” He appeared to him. Rava said to him, “Master, did you suffer?” R. Naḥman said to him, “It was like removing a hair from milk. But were the Holy One to say to me, ‘Go back to that world as you were,’ I would not want to go, because the fear is too great.”

Translated by Jenny R. Labendz.