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Ross
Berger, an 83-year old owner of a successful chain of exercise gyms,
credits his recovery from a stroke to his own physical strength and
will. He considers himself a self- made man and believes religion is for
the weak. Ross' son Alan, on the other hand, is a man of faith in God
and a well-respected college professor who deeply values his Jewish
heritage. Alan's son Aaron, who is preparing for his bar mitzvah,
admires his grandfather's physical strength more than his father's
spiritual faith. Monica and Tess agree to help Ross produce an exercise
video for stroke victims, while Andrew tutors Aaron in Hebrew, teaching
him the true meaning of the bar mitzvah -- the acceptance of his new
responsibilities as a man of God. Alan's wife Connie is worried about
Ross' influence on Aaron, but is even more concerned about Alan's
frequent dizzy spells, one of which results in a serious car accident.
When Alan receives the news that he is dying from a rapidly growing
brain tumor, he confides in Ross. Despite Alan's pleas to spend his
final days with his family, Ross pledges to find better doctors and
newer treatments, promising to fix the situation with his own resources.
Soon after, Alan collapses and is taken to the hospital. Even while ill,
Alan is concerned with Aaron's bar mitzvah, asking Ross to participate
in the ceremony if he is unable. Ross agrees and also prays with Alan,
but when Aaron oversees this, he believes his grandfather has weakened
and has given up trying to save Alan. When Andrew arrives as the Angel
of Death, Alan realizes that his faith has been justified, and he dies
in peace. Aaron is devastated and angry, both at God and at Ross for not
saving Alan. Aaron refuses to proceed with the ceremony, citing his
grandfather's belief that religion is for the weak as a reason.
Meanwhile, Monica reveals to Ross that she is an angel, and encourages
him to humble himself before God and accept His love. The next day at
the ceremony, the rabbi announces that there will be no bar mitzvah.
Ross then steps forward to state his desire to be bar mitzvah'd. Ross
tells Aaron that he was wrong to believe religion was for the weak and
admits that Alan was right all along. Grandfather and grandson join each
other in reading the Torah, embracing their Jewish faith and heritage.
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