On Returning From A Yeshiva League Poetry Slam At Rambam Mesivta

I switch from among several hats within my main job. These days I teach Jewish Studies, do Torah Guidance, regular guidance, run the poetry club, the improv club, teach Public speaking, coach the poetry club, teach a ninth grade vaad, and write regularly for the schools Torah weekly.

At this moment I am flying high after a fulfilling day.  I tended to some guidance and teaching duties in the morning and then embarked on a long trip with the poetry team from Paramus to the Five Towns (about an hour and a half each way).

My students did a great job writing and reading their original works.  We won the top prize of best poet (who presented a free-style poem about going down to the basement and a found poem that used pieces of the first chapter of The Fault in Our Stars) and the award for best "found poem" (it was a poem that reconstructed Guns and Roses quotes).

It is a great joy and blessing to be able to work with students who care so much about ideas and words.  Beforehand there were meetings and emails, edits and re-edits.  Afterwards there was a breathing out of relief and a gratefulness for the experience.

I'd like to thank G-d and everyone involved in the yeshiva high school poetry league.  These adults and kids, who truly love art, even within the framework of Torah, have recharged my faith in humanity.