"People Are Unique And We Are All Fighting Our Own Battle"

Over the years I have received my share of treasured notes from students. I keep them close to the vest. Three weeks ago a student sent an email to about 15 teachers that he felt really influenced him, including me. He wrote articulately about what he gained from the school and how the connection he formed with staff was top of the list. He said that he learned specific things from his "relationships and encounters with teachers."

Along with some beautiful and outstanding, yet somewhat standard things ("I would not have the kavoneh in my davening, the appreciation for Torah, the love of learning, the passion for Israel and its history, the strong need to be identified with the Jewish people, the self-discipline for keeping mitzvot..." if not for teachers.) he listed one that blew me away. He reflected that through his education in our high school he gained an understanding "that people are unique and that we are all fighting our own battle." Wow. Wow. Wow. To be eighteen and get that! To be any age and get that! May we all be blessed to get what this young person understands. Please G-d.