Full-Circle Moment: The Doctor Who Saved Nadav’s Life Helped Him Put On Tefillin at His Bar Mitzvah

Twelve years ago, the Shalev family went through a major trauma when their eldest son, Nadav, suffered a severe head injury. At first it seemed like a minor wound, but it quickly became clear it was serious. Doctors at Schneider Hospital determined there was internal bleeding in the child’s brain, and his life was in danger. Amid all the chaos, a key figure emerged—Dr. Steven Jackson, a neurosurgeon who knew exactly how to lead the medical team in the fight for the child’s life.

Soon, Nadav underwent complex surgeries, and for many long days he was kept under close supervision as his parents did not stop praying, hoping he would recover. In those difficult hours, Dr. Jackson, who led the team, kept assuring the parents that there was a chance their child would survive and overcome his condition.

After six weeks of intensive care and many days of struggle, Nadav—who had become a symbol of optimism—began to recover. He returned to a normal routine, though the road was not easy. Over time, Nadav became an outstanding student and athlete, and he never stopped expressing gratitude to the doctors for what they did for him.

The moving story reached its peak this week, as Nadav, now a 13-year-old, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. During the celebration, Dr. Jackson came especially to help him put on tefillin, and that moment was one of the highlights of the evening. Everyone present could not remain indifferent, seeing the doctor—who had saved the child’s life—standing beside him at such a meaningful moment.