Sydney Writer Nikki Goldstein's Miraculous Recovery After Rabbi Eli Blows Ancient Horn

The single sharpest fact in this story is that Sydney writer Nikki Goldstein was days from death when Rabbi Eli Schlanger blew an ancient ram's horn, known as a shofar, by her bedside in St Vincent's Hospital. This moment, which seemed like a last resort, ended up being a turning point in Goldstein's recovery from a life-threatening infection. It's a remarkable story that highlights the power of faith and the impact that one person can have on another's life.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a deeply observant rabbi, had arrived at the hospital as a chaplain to deliver last rites to Goldstein, whose body was succumbing to the infection. Her husband Rowan and daughter Liberty had just been told she had days to live. Schlanger asked a nurse if he could blow his shofar, and the nurse agreed, saying it was unlikely to bother anyone in the ICU ward, as most of the patients were comatose. They didn't think it would make a difference, but they were willing to try anything.

Twenty-four hours after the shofar was blown, Goldstein's lungs began to repair. Within days, she was moved to a general ward, where she recovered. Schlanger visited her again, surprised but thrilled to see that Goldstein had survived. He later referred to the shofar as a 'spiritual defibrillator'. Doctors joked that her survival was a miracle. It's clear that something extraordinary happened, and it's not just a coincidence.

Goldstein and Schlanger forged a friendship after this incident. They even secured a book deal based on their conversations. The book, 'Conversations with My Rabbi', was launched recently at Chabad Bondi, where Schlanger served as an assistant rabbi for 18 years. The launch was attended by prominent figures, including Premier Chris Minns, Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, and Liberal elder Philip Ruddock. It's a testament to the impact that Schlanger had on his community.

'Nikki has handed us a profound gift when we desperately need it,' said Alex Ryvchin, a good friend of Schlanger and a prominent Jewish community leader, during the book launch. 'All of us. His family and friends. His community. And the entire nation. A record of his most deeply held beliefs, a testament to the beauty of his soul.' Ryvchin's words capture the essence of Schlanger's legacy.

Premier Chris Minns, who had never met Schlanger, said that from what he had learned about him since his death, Schlanger was the 'kind of man powered by optimism'. Schlanger's death was a tragic event; he was killed in the Bondi Beach massacre on the first night of Hanukkah on December 14, 2015. It's a sad reminder that life can be cut short at any moment.

In the preface to 'Conversations with My Rabbi', Goldstein wrote that the book was not supposed to happen like this, as Schlanger was not supposed to die before they had finished the project. Goldstein completed the final chapter with the help of Schlanger's wife Chaya and his father-in-law Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, the chief rabbi at the Bondi Chabad Centre. They worked together to ensure that Schlanger's message lived on.

This story is a testament to the power of faith and the impact that one person can have on another's life. It also highlights the importance of never giving up, even in the darkest of times. As Goldstein's recovery shows, miracles can happen. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of hope and a lot of faith. It's a powerful reminder that we shouldn't lose hope, no matter what challenges we face.

The book launch was a celebration of Schlanger's life and his legacy. It was also a reminder that even though Schlanger is no longer with us, his words and his message continue to inspire and uplift people. As Premier Minns said, 'One of the really wonderful things about this book is how it manages to bring Eli's voice back to life, and you get this palpable, unmistakable sense of the man by reading the conversations.' It's a unique opportunity to connect with Schlanger's spirit.

The story of Nikki Goldstein and Rabbi Eli Schlanger is one that will stay with readers for a long time. It's a story of hope, faith, and the power of the human spirit. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way forward. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of faith to make a big difference. We can't underestimate the power of faith and hope in our lives.

As the story of Nikki Goldstein and Rabbi Eli Schlanger continues to inspire people, it reminds us that faith and hope can make a big difference in our lives. It's also a testament to the power of the human spirit and the impact that one person can have on another's life. The book 'Conversations with My Rabbi' is a must-read for anyone looking for a story of hope and inspiration. It's a book that can change your perspective on life and faith.

The launch of the book was attended by many prominent figures, including Premier Chris Minns, who said that Schlanger was the 'kind of man powered by optimism'. The book is a celebration of Schlanger's life and his legacy, and it continues to inspire people with its message of hope and faith. It's a legacy that will live on through his words and the impact he had on others.

In the end, the story of Nikki Goldstein and Rabbi Eli Schlanger is one that will stay with readers for a long time. It's a story of hope, faith, and the power of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way forward. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of faith to make a big difference. We can learn a lot from their story, and it can inspire us to have more faith and hope in our lives.