Thank You, Mystery Author

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

For decades, this quote has spread like a wildfire across the world.  Interestingly, the person behind this quote is still to this day just an unknown figure lost in time who undoubtedly had a tremendous appreciation for living life to the fullest.  Despite the lack of a true background and name, I already have more respect for you, mystery author, in those 20 words than I have for any writers or philosophers before you.

You didn’t care about how much money was in your bank account, or the amount of years you lived for, but you cherished the moments in your life that left you blissful. You never worried about how many days you had left on earth, but you treated everyday like it was your last chasing the moments in life that inspire you and leave you awestruck. 

When I reflect that ambitious mentality back onto myself, I wonder if I have experienced these breathtaking moments in my own life.  What most stands out to me was the once in a lifetime Torah presentation to the Alexander Muss High on top of Masada, as well as the following festivities that ensued the next day. The Jewish religion revolves around the Torah: the knowledge it provides, as well as the holiness it possesses.  After our strenuous but fulfilling uphill climb of Masada, the unforgettable view was enough to make the journey worth It, but added on to that, we witnessed history seeing a Torah be completed and presented to our program.  A Torah takes almost a year to finish, and to be a few feet away from the completion of such meticulous and difficult work will be a memory that will never leave my mind.

Shortly after this, the festivities began as we all started gleefully dancing around the Torah singing and truly coming together as a community to accept one of the most revered treasures in the Jewish religion. For this event to take place on such a historical and stunning site made it all the more special and moving. The following day, the excitement wasn’t over. After a thrilling tiyul to the caves of the Bar Kochba revolt, we were surprised with an exhilarating block party on the street outside our high school. There was an extravagant van blasting music as we all danced through the streets, slowly making our way to the Beit Knesset to deliver the Torah to where it will be held for at least the next 10 years. This was extremely special to know that I got to be a part of such an important event.  I have never felt so in touch with G-d as I did during this joyous ceremony and festival, which truly was a two days that I will retain for the rest of my life. Thank you, mystery author for inspiring me to chase moments like these in which I’m left breathless. You may not have a name but I know exactly who you are, and who I want to become from the knowledge you bestowed upon me in those 20 words.