Like a Havdalah Candle

The Friediker Rebbe said:
By Chasidim,
The love of Hashem,
The love of Torah,
And the love of Yisroel
must be intertwined together like a havdalah candle.

Over the past three years (in High-School),
I was taught how to love and appreciate each of these three.

I have learnt of Hashem’s greatness
and yet he loves me and cares about every moment of my life.
With this knowledge, my love for Hashem grew tremendously.

Throughout my years of Torah study,
I was able to learn more each day.
I discovered the sweetness of Torah and learning.
A feeling of warmth and happiness surrounds me
when I can comprehend something new. This is a feeling of love.

Amongst my classmates,
I saw what it means to have true Ahavas Yisroel.
Not only are they my classmates, they are my friends.
Every girl is willing to go out of her way to help another.
I feel a strong connection and a sense of belonging with them.

Similar to the wicks inside the havdala candle,
all this love is intertwined within me.
Just as the havdala candle is lit at the end of shabbos,
and is the fire that lights up the week,
I am at the end of this stage in life
and I feel I am ready to ignite the flame
so I can begin lighting up the world.

(my high-school graduation speech - written June 2003)