 Rabbi Ishmael taught that if a person is forced to choose between idolatry and death, the person should do so, and not be killed, for says, "You shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, which if a man does, he shall "live in them"" — not die by them.The Gemara questioned whether one might think that idolatry may even be practiced openly, says, "Neither shall you profane My Holy Name; but I will be hallowed," and as the public violation of commandments profanes God's Name, one might think that one must die to avoid doing so.The Sages ruled with Rabbi Eliezer, who cited "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your might."