Read the story of Rabbi Amnon !

(This story is adapted from a book by Scopus. All images are provided courtesy of Scopus Films.

Everyone in Mainz knew that Rabbi Amnon was a wise and kind man. Even the Duke of Mainz enjoyed talking to him. "Amnon," he would tease, "it's a pity that you are a Jew and cannot go to Heaven."

"You know, my lord," Rabbi Amnon would answer, "Jews believe that G-d rewards all good people."

The answer only angered the Duke. "Amnon," he finally exploded, "convert now, or die!"

"Give me three days to decide,"Rabbi Amnon beseeched. The Duke agreed, thinking that he would finally listen and convert.

Rabbi Amnon returned home, deeply upset with himself that he had even given the Duke the idea that he would consider conversion and that he might deny the Living G-d. He refused to eat or drink, till he fell ill. All his near and dear ones came to console him, but he would not forgive himself.

After three days, Rabbi Amnon did not return to the Duke. Finally, soldiers were sent to arrest him.

"Why didn't you bring me your answer on the day you yourself fixed?" "I was wrong", Rabbi Amnon sighed, I should have said: Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad, proclaiming that there is only one G-d. For that, I must be punished...."

"And punish you I shall," cried the Duke.

After hours of torture at the hands of the Duke's soldiers, Rabbi Amnon was brought to the synagogue crippled and dying. It was Rosh Hashana, and the congregation was about to recite the Kedusha. "Please, he gasped, "open the ark so that I can say one last prayer."The people gathered around to listen."Unetane Tokef"....Rabbi Amnon finished his prayer and died. His prayer has become an important part of the Rosh Hashana Service and Yom Kippur Service in which we acknowledge G-d as the ultimate Ruler of the world.

Here is a short excerpt from Rabbi Amnon's prayer:

"Let us declare the greatness of this day of holiness! It is a day that acknowledges You, G-d, as our Judge. Today we pass before You, like sheep. None goes unnoticed. Help us to look into our hearts to judge ourselves. Give us the strength and courage to improve in the coming year.

We know, too, that our days on the earth are precious. Only You can predict the future. But only we can decide how to live our lives."

Mom and Dad, if you want to discuss this story with your kids, there are guide questions in the Educator's Guide.