As children we’re taught of “one hundred and twenty and seven,”

but there’s a lot more to learn about Sarah’s ascent to Heaven.

First it says, “chayei Sarah,” Sarah’s entire life,

then it says, “shnei chayei Sarah,” just some of the years of this great wife.

We’re told that we’ll hear about Sarah’s existence, that’s our goal,

then it is described as just a part, and not the whole.

Upon reflection the answer is plain to see,

our years are incomplete, just a piece of what’s to be.

All of our days are greater than their apparent total sum,

there is so much more that’s yet to come.

Sarah’s whole life, all the years were just a part;

the life we live here now is only the start.

Our lifespan has an afterlife, everything that we do.

We live on in the next world—and in this world too.

This was true about Sarah, and it’s true for us,

regarding every moment of acceptance or fuss.

Remember, as we go through every day

there are ripple effects to all we do and say.

Like for Sarah, our deeds live on in family and friends,

in this way we are blessed, and our life never ends.

Rabbi Neil Fleischmann, an ordained rabbi from RIETS, has taught Torah for over 30 years, primarily at The Frisch School, where he coached the award-winning poetry team. As an integral part of the Yeshiva Poetry Society, Fleischmann is a passionate advocate for the arts within the Torah world. He was named New York’s Funniest Rabbi, and has performed stand-up comedy, as well as presenting as scholar in residence across the city and country. His literary work includes the haiku collection “In The Field,” and he has contributed close to 20 poems to the “Stories of Our Lives” anthologies, Parts 1 and 2. Fleischmann is working on a book of parsha poems that combines meaningful content with whimsical formatting. You can reach him at [email protected].