Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
In a fantastical story found in the Babylonian Talmud, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son hid in a cave to avoid the Roman authorities. They remained isolated there for twelve years. During this time God provided them with water and a carob tree. They demonstrated their devotion to God by praying and studying every day. Only when informed of the death of the emperor by Elijah, did they finally leave the cave. They were ordered back to the cave by the Bat Kol, the voice of God, where they remained for another twelve months.
According to tradition and legend, it was during this time that Shimon bar Yochai wrote the Zohar, the great text of Jewish mysticism.
Eventually Shimon bar Yochai and his son left the cave. There they encountered a world different from the one where they had left. Jews were still engaged in Torah study, but its expression had transformed due to the oppressive rule of the Romans.
Our tradition tends to view asceticism and isolation with apprehension. Judaism is based on the principles of community, interaction, and engagement. Yet, here in the Talmud, we do find lessons of inspiration that can come out of isolation. What great mystical works are we working on for ourselves during this challenging time? Where are we finding substance from the wellspring of holiness? What rituals can we employ to keep our souls aloft?
When we come out of this, the world will be different. Will we be prepared to encounter it? Or will we wish to return to our caves?
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