Is one required to give up his life rather than violate a rabbinic Issur of Avodah Zara or Arayot? Tos' here in Psachim seems to assume so, and the story in Sanhedrin would prove this principle if we accept the Ramban's view that any act other that Giluy Arayot is only Rabbinic. Indeed, the Mishna LaMelech quotes a Ra'em that a kohen would be required to give up his life rather than violate the rabbinic prohibition of relations with a Chalutza. This amazing breakthrough establishes the authority of rabbinic law to create avizrayhu of Avodah Zara or Giluy Arayot and generate the din of Yahareg Veal Ya'avor!
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