This scholarly communication examines Professor Rubenstein's thesis regarding "Yohanan's bargain" and its implications for Jewish theology and nationalism. The author critically analyzes Rubenstein's argument that Yohanan ben Zakkai's post-70 C.E. bargain, which allegedly replaced Jerusalem (Jewish nationhood) with Yavneh (religious community), became normative Judaism for two millennia until rendered dysfunctional by the Holocaust. Through historical analysis of Jewish sources, including Talmudic and Midrashic literature, the study demonstrates that expressions of longing for Jewish statehood persisted throughout the exile period, from Rabbi Akiva's involvement in the Bar-Kochba Revolt to various messianic movements. The methodology involves examining primary Jewish texts and historical precedents to challenge Rubenstein's characterization of the bargain as normative. The author distinguishes between Maimonidean rational messianism and apocalyptic variants, arguing that practical Zionism drew upon both religious tradition and secular European nationalism. Key findings suggest that Yohanan's bargain never intended to sever Jewish nationalism from theology, representing instead a matter of emphasis rather than fundamental theological transformation. The study concludes that Jewish theology and nationalism have continuously evolved together throughout history, making Rubenstein's proposed discarding of the bargain irrelevant to contemporary Jewish survival challenges.