Semicha, the ancient tradition of rabbinic ordination, has been a cornerstone of Jewish leadership and halachic authority. But why is semicha so important, and how does it differ from its practice today? Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava’s heroic story sheds light on this question. Faced with a decree forbidding the continuation of semicha, he chose to risk and ultimately sacrifice his life to ensure the chain of Jewish tradition remained unbroken. What motivated such devotion, and what does semicha truly represent in the context of Jewish history and leadership? Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava’s actions serve as a powerful testament to the value of preserving Torah and its transmission across generations.