Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. That is how my family describes about my brother, Eyal, z’l.
Eyal was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 4 years old, and then suffered a stroke which left him a quadriplegic, wheelchair and ventilator dependent for 32 of his 36 years of life. And yet….I cannot tell you something he did not do because of his disability. Rather, I can only tell you what he did do and the people and communities he inspired because of who he was.
Parshat Tetzaveh commands us to light the ner tamid, the eternal light. How do we do this? Does someone need to stand by the flame to ensure the light burns every moment of every day? Rashi teaches that we must kindle the flame until it ascends by itself.
When I think of the blessings my brother gave this world, his soul can ultimately be described as a ner tamid, an eternal light. His actions allowed all he met to ensure the flame of kindness, inclusion, and love will continue forever.
Each time our family was told the word, “no,” we simply did not accept that answer. The response was always, “How can we make that a yes?” Over his extremely physically challenged life, Eyal achieved great heights; a miraculous bar mitzvah, a high school graduation with honors, a college graduation with a degree in fine arts after 10 years of study. Yet, beyond any diploma and certificate, Eyal wanted one thing. To be an ordinary person doing extraordinary things.
As we conclude Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, for those with disabilities and families and communities, these disabilities do not disappear. It has been inspiring to hear from our fellow VOP council members their own experiences. It shapes who we are for the better. When I am asked “Why did you become a Rabbi?” I say, “Eyal.” He was my Rabbi.
So this week, as we focus on the eternal light above our sacred ark, let us also create that eternal spark in our souls to recognize each ordinary person doing extraordinary things.
Here is Eyal’s story as Eyal on DATELINE NBC for his college graduation in 2009.
Eyal passed away on September 24th, 2017.
Rabbi Erez Sherman oversees the Sinai Temple Israel Center, as well as directs the David and Angella Nazarian Youth Fellowship, empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders. Named 5 top Visionary for Israel by The Jerusalem Post, Rabbi Sherman is also the host of Rabbi On The Sidelines, a podcast exploring the intersection of sports and faith.
