When I was diagnosed with ALS and lost my ability to walk, talk, sing, dance, play the guitar, teach, etc., I was faced with a personal crisis: What purpose is there for me? What is there for me to accomplish? What difference can I possibly make?

The answer became clear with the outpouring of love all around me. I saw how wonderful people could be and witnessed greatness from the most unexpected places. It dawned upon me that if my crisis brought out greatness in others, perhaps if I dig deep, I could find some way to make a difference, too. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were still ways for me to do so—in ways perhaps even greater than before.

In this week’s Torah portion, Bechukotai, we read how during the time of exile, G‑d will remember the promise He made to our forefathers. “And I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and also My covenant with Isaac, and also My covenant with Abraham ... ”

First should be Abraham, the oldest; then Isaac, his son; and finally Jacob. Why is the order of our forefathers reversed?

Sometimes, it seems that all the exceptional people lived in the past. We feel that we are not so holy, but that our grandparents were. “How could I be expected to be great?” we say. “How could little me make a difference?”

By reversing the order, the Torah is telling us that though our grandparents were great, we possess qualities and abilities that they did not. If we tap in to our G‑d-given strengths, we can accomplish wonderful things. We can be great as well.

You may then ask: “Who am I to aspire to greatness?”

One of the qualities Jacob had over Abraham was that he was the descendant of great and holy people. Jacob was born great; all he needed to do was to reveal what he already was.

You, too, descend from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You don't have to aspire for greatness; you were born that way. All you need to do is reveal who you are.

You are greater than you think. Go make a difference.