Rabbi killed at Bondi has dream realised with new book
A rabbi killed in one of Australia’s deadliest massacres has posthumously achieved his lifelong ambition of becoming a writer.
It was one chapter away from completion when two terrorists shot Rabbi Eli Schlanger, author of Conversations with My Rabbi, and 14 others at a Hanukkah event he was hosting at Bondi Beach in December.
Months later, one of the authors, secular Jewish woman Nikki Goldstein, announced that the book would be available at the Bondi synagogue on Tuesday.
“Five minutes after I met him, he pulled up a chair next to my bed and told me it had been his lifelong dream to write a book,” she said.
“My co-author may not be here, but I can tell you that if Rabbi Eli Schlanger were here, he would dance with joy about the book and his wish coming true.”
Mrs. Goldstein was in a coma in 2022 when she noticed her husband, Rabbi Schlanger, in the hospital corridors and asked for help.
Before he woke up from his coma the next day, the rabbi stood by his bed and whispered ancient prayers.
The two formed an instant connection despite their deep differences in religious tradition and modern life.
Their differences formed the basis of the book, a guide on how to solve modern issues based on the teachings of the Jewish faith.
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Mr. Schlanger’s father-in-law, helped complete the final chapter of the mass shooting’s aftermath and disagreed with Ms. Goldstein at the event.
“You said you wished your co-author was here with us today,” he said.
“I promise you he’ll be here with us today.”
The attendance of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Kellie Sloan at the event caused a delay in state parliament sessions.
Miss Sloane was present at the Bondi terror attack last December and helped apply bandages and give first aid to the shooting victims.
He said he knew Rabbi Schlanger.
“Most of the people I saw here today, I was in this with them on December 14,” he told AAP.
“Memories are painful, but days like these help us remember what is important and the messages Eli would want us to remember.”
