אפילו לשנויי ערקתא במסאנא
Even when the king did not decree, one may not transgress even a light Mitzvah in public, he must submit to be killed. This applies even to a light mitzvah such as a change regarding the Jewish practice regarding shoes.
How do we explain the practice regarding shoes ערקתא במסאנא?
- Rashi: The Jews tie their shoes differently than the non-Jewish practice, but he does not explain the difference. (Others explain Jews tie their left shoe prior to tying the right shoe.)
- Rashba: Explains the Jews have specifically used black shoes (which expresses a more modest presentation).
- Tosfos Rosh: The standard shoe color was black for all. Rather, the Jews used a different color of white for the laces, while the non-Jews used black laces.
- HaAruch: The Jews wore black laces in remembrance of the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash. And the non-Jews attempted to make a decree that the Jews should change to white laces
- Some Rishonim: The non-Jews used red laces and the Jews used a more modest color of black.
- Meiri: The Jews tied the shoes with leather laces and the non-Jews used string laces.
- Sheiltos: The Gemara was not referring to the differences in shoe uses between the Jews and non-Jews. Rather, the non-Jewish authorities told the Jews to bow to idols in a manner of ערקתא במסאנא, which means to bend down and remove (adjust) the shoes, appearing like they were bowing. Even for such an appearance in times of religious persecution, Chaza‑l declared one must sacrifice one’s life and avoid this appearance (even in private).