Martyrdom is defined by Webster’s as “the suffering of death on account of adherence to a cause and especially to one's religious faith.” The Torah’s term is ‘Kiddush Hashem,’ sanctifying G-d’s Name: the surrender of one’s life for G-d’s honor is considered the ultimate statement of commitment to G-d.
But, except for rare circumstances (e.g. forced conversions), Judaism discourages martyrdom, and asks that we focus on making life here on earth more holy.
While conventional martyrdom is a rarity in normative Jewish life, there is a closer-to-home meaning of martyrdom, which should be part of our daily mindset. A mini-martyrdom, if you will.
Imagine you are offered a lucrative financial deal, a home run, except that it will cause financial damage to your spouse’s family. Will you take this great deal? Or will you show yourself and your family that family is of even more value than money?
If you choose your family over money you have ‘sanctified the importance of family’ (to paraphrase the Torah expression), illustrating its hallowed place in your value system.
Now replace ‘financial damage to family’ with ‘damage to one’s relationship with G-d.’ You see an opening for some gain – physical pleasure, financial profit, etc. – and you really want to take advantage of the opportunity. Yet you know that the Torah disallows it. Do you quiet that Jewish conscience and grab your prize? Or do you tell yourself “my relationship with G-d is more important; this one’s for You, G-d”?
Choosing G-d would be considered sanctifying G-d’s name, a mini-martyrdom, because you have chosen to sacrifice life’s tangible pleasures for your less-tangible relationship with the Divine.
Twice a day, we cover our eyes to call out Shema Yisroel – Hear O’ Israel…G-d is One, a personal call for Oneness with G-d. Interestingly, our Sages tell us to use the opportunity to imagine our own martyrdom. This doesn’t necessarily mean imagining yourself as part of the Spanish Inquisition. Our Sages are advising to visualize your personal min-martyrdoms, the decisions we each face on a regular basis: self-gratification or higher values?
Visualize standing up for G-d. Now you can open your eyes.