The Jewish People are endowed with an innate consciousness and faith.
Even when it appears that all hope is lost, that the world is arbitrary, the Jewish People maintain their faith.
This faith has neither rhyme nor reason; it is without rationale.
The Jew himself does not know why he believes, but he does so nonetheless.
This is the stubbornness of faith, which reaches to the very root and foundation of the Jew.
The Jewish People is indeed a “stiff-necked people,” in which is latent the resolve not to submit to the world and to the forces of evil, but to hold fast always to God and His Torah.
–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz