Yom Kippur on Shabbos

In a few days it will be Yom Kippur and Shabbos on the same day, a special combination of holiness. This unique blending of the holiest days of Judaism provides an opportunity for... murder. What?

The Gemara in Pesahim (49b) quotes R. Eliezer as saying that one may stab an ignoramus (am ha'aretz) on Yom Kippur that falls out on Shabbos. So, ignorami, watch out this weekend!

When R. Hayim Volozhiner was collecting funds to start his groundbreaking yeshiva in Volozhin, people asked him why there was any need for a yeshiva when students can study the Talmud on their own in local synagogues. R. Hayim cited the above passage as to why students need an experienced teacher. If one just read the text, one would actually think that it is permissible to kill ignorami. However, a teacher will be able to tell you that this is a mistaken understanding of the Gemara.

Rav Sherira Gaon and the Rif explain this statement to be referring to someone attempting to rape a woman (or man). He may be killed in order to stop his attack. Why an ignoramus and why specifically on Yom Kippur that falls out on Shabbos? Shouldn't any attempted rapist on any day of the year be stopped at all costs?

Based on the Meiri and the Sefas Emes (and who says I don't quote Hasidic works?), I would suggest that we are speaking of someone who has not yet attacked but is talking and acting like he is going to attack. Normally, one may not kill someone who is only threatening because frequently threats are merely empty words. However, an ignoramus who is willing to make such threats on Yom Kippur that falls out on Shabbos is clearly someone who has crossed all lines and poses a very serious threat.

(See also here.)