According to the world’s most authoritative source on word definitions, dictionary.com, an “oasis” is, “a small fertile or green area in a desert region, usually having a spring or well,” and, “something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual…difficult, etc…”

If I were writing the entries in the dictionary, I would have written, “Shabbos.”

More specifically, I would likely write “Saturday, June 6, 2020.”

Shabbos, the day where we turn off our TVs, computers, and phones.

Shabbos, the day where we abstain from seeing the horrific videos depicting brutality of the police.

Shabbos, the day where we don’t have to see people’s businesses destroyed by opportunistic looters and rioters.

Shabbos, the blissful day we don’t have to see the hateful comments on social media directed at those with differing opinions.

A day when we have the freedom to look inward and to ask ourselves what we can do to make this broken, fractured world a better place.

Shabbos, our Rabbis teach that you are a taste of the World to Come.

Now I think I finally understand what that means.