The Gemara takes this concrete depiction of a community and transforms it into a spiritual definition. Community is not about buildings. It is about relationships and caring for those in our midst who need the most help. Rock is hard but iron cuts it. Iron is hard, but fire softens it.
Fire is hard, but water puts it out.
Water is hard, but clouds carry it. Clouds are strong, but wind disperses them. Wind is strong, but body bears it. Fright is strong, but wine banishes it. Wine is strong, but sleep works it off.