Handing Down the Torch, From Generation to Generation, Part 1: Teacher to Student

With the end of the school, or academic year coming up quite soon, my teacher encouraged me to write a poem based on the concept "From Teacher to Student", in which a young man reflects on the connection he had with a dearly beloved teacher, as well as the impact this teacher made on him in those important formative years of his life, when he was under the teachers care.

After thinking about it, another concept entered my mind which I connected to the one mentioned above. This concept of "Handing Down the Torch", is based on the fact that a teacher will impart his knowledge and care to his students, handing down the torch of the previous generation, entrusting his students to carry it forward herby creating and molding the next generation of respectful, Torah-true Jews.

I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this poem

Yitzy Schweitzer

Handing Down the Torch, From Generation to Generation, Part 1: Teacher to Student
Dear beloved Rebbi,
It's me, your dear student,
Writing to you
From another part of the world

It has been so many years
Since those days when I was in your class
Hearing your voice ring out, loud and vibrant
As you taught me the Holy Torah

You inspired me,
Motivated me
Encouraged me,
Empowered me
To look deep inside my heart
And find out who I truly am

Your liveliness
Your excitement
Your love
And your care
Remains with me, all these years later
Guiding me, showing me a path

You taught us what it means
To be a honest upright, respected Jew
Handing down the torch of Torah
Your Rebbi once handed to you

You infused me with a desire
To keep that torch safe
All those morals and values I learnt
I'll give over to my children every day

Keeping the fire of the Torah
Burning ever so bright
From generation to generation
Keeping the path visible and alight.