There are many explanations for why the Jewish community has survived for so long despite the disappearence and defeat of their greatest tormentors over the course of several millennia. In the classic book ¨Sabbath¨ by Abraham Joshua Heschel, I´ve discovered an answer.

Rabbi Shimeon belonged to a generation which, under the leadership of Bar Kochba, rose in arms against the might of Rome in a last effort to regain independence and to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Israel without the sanctuary seemed alone in the world. The revolt was crushed - it became clear that there was no possibility of another uprising. The sanctuary in space was going to remain in ruins for many a long day. But Rabbi Shimeon´s idea proclaimed Israel was not alone. Israel is engaged to holiness, to eternity. The match was made long before history began - the Sabbath was a union that no one could disjoin. What G-d put together coud not be set apart.

Good shabbos!