Eviatar Frankel: Facing Death with Grace

Life is a Festival

Today's episode is dedicated to my dear friend, Eviatar Frankel, who died a week ago from complications related to a rare lymphoma. I was privileged to sit with Ev in a men's circle throughout his battle with cancer. Each week, and in countless private conversations, he displayed remarkable grace.

This podcast features readings from Eviatar's personal philosophy, deeply rooted in determinism, and includes two interviews. On the show we hear from Erica Dean, a mutual friend pivotal in Ev's care journey and a woman committed to the path of ceremonial medicine. We also welcome back my mentor and spiritual guide, Benjamin, who shared in the men's group experience with Ev. Additionally, we'll share a voice message from Eviatar—humorous, playful, and insightful—that he sent to many friends after a potent experience in the hospital.

Rarely do individuals possess the courage, wisdom, or awareness to confront death with genuine presence. Yet, in Eviatar’s worldview, he perceived this opportunity for presence in the face of death as a gift. He approached his journey as a ceremony, and it was an incredible privilege for all of us to participate in that ceremony with him.

As the Yawanawa people say, “weak body, strong spirit.”

Eviatar, we cherish you. Thank you for gracing us with your wisdom, humor, and boundless joy.

Timestamps

• :08 - Who Eviatar Frankel Was
• :16 - Eviatar’s Letter
• :23 - Ev’s Principles on Waking
• :36 - The cancer journey as a ceremony
• :39 - Ev’s voice memo from the hospital
• :56 - How to be helpful