Earlier this week I attended the funeral of Dr. Barry Lang, who was a close friend of mine, and was a regular participant at our classes and courses. Barry wasn’t just a close friend, but was someone who taught both myself and his many friends a lot about life.
Barry was an accomplished person who was both a physician and a lawyer, yet at the same time he held a deep rooted passion for learning Torah and discovering more about his Judaism. Personally I love learning and find it amazing to see the many faces that partake in our Torah study and courses, yet Barry’s drive for knowledge was unique and it inspired you to want to learn even more.
Over the last few years, Barry was fighting a brutal battle with cancer, yet for a long time no one would have ever known what he was dealing with, as his smile, jokes and positive attitude never left his face. It was only when Barry was unable to attend due to his ill health that people began to realize what Barry was up against.
I remember the joy I felt on Thursday evenings at our Torah study or at some of our other classes when I would see Barry walk through the door with some of his friends. I was amazed, overjoyed and blown away at his determination to learn with his friends and connect to his Judaism despite his huge personal challenges. This week, as I gave several classes the void where he would sit was striking, yet along with the sadness that we felt and feel as we miss Barry, one can’t help but remember his constant smile and positive attitude.
One of the very last things that Barry said to his family and friends who were near to him, was “it’s not enough to just be Jewish, you also need to learn Torah, Torah is powerful and is the guide and wisdom of the Jewish people, and it will deeply impact your life”.
In this week’s portion, we read of the passing of the first Jewish Matriarch, Sarah. Our sages point out the oddity of the portion being called the Life of Sarah, when she passes away in the first verse, and the rest of the portion is the story of her children and other stories. Yet, Chassidic thought explains, that therein is contained the message about life itself and what is considered true life. The portion is called the Life of Sarah, since her children and family members continued in her steps and perpetuated the very same spiritual goals that she sought to live by and accomplish. Thus, although she had passed away, her life and legacy continued to prevail and were a sign that the life that she lived was indeed a powerful life and a life full of meaning, purpose and would have eternal endurance on the people she had known and impacted and on the world that she had lived in.
Barry whose Hebrew name was Betzalel Dov ben Getzel & Idit, will be sorely missed, but we know that just like by Sarah, Barry’s soul and his legacy and passion will live on among his family and friends who will remember Barry and live up to his actions and his last words.
May Barry’s dear wife Janet and his children and grandchildren all be comforted among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem.
Yehi Zichro Baruch
If you knew Barry and would like to share your thoughts please do so below.
Bob Katz wrote...