We asked Jr. writers to tell us about a time in their lives when it was especially hard for them to say goodbye

One Year and Forever

Penina Steinbruch

I’ve spent almost 30 years working in a seminary in Eretz Yisrael. That means girls come to learn for a year, or maybe if they’re very lucky, two years, before they go back home. Since the girls know it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, they have important conversations with us, the staff, and we enjoy many good times together. The connections we form are very deep and real. We get to know each other and love each other. And then before you blink, it’s over and we’re saying goodbye.

It’s very hard and sad to say goodbye to girls who mean so much to me. Often my kids know them too, and have to bid farewell to a beloved babysitter who has become an important part of our family that year.

I wish I could keep in touch with everyone, but by now, I’ve met literally thousands of girls. If a girl keeps in touch with me, I always keep in touch with her. I think I’ve responded to every email I’ve ever received.

I’ve even had students who were daughters of former students, which is so special. Usually, I haven’t seen the mother since she was my student and meeting her daughter feels like I’ve stepped into a time machine!

As sad as it is, I’ve learned that it’s not really goodbye — we can always stay in touch and hopefully meet up again.