A shofar is crafted from a ram’s horn, hollowed out to be blown like a trumpet. This ancient instrument symbolizes the majesty of God and acts as a call to repentance. During Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, it serves as a spiritual wake-up call, urging individuals to return to what God expects them to be. On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which concluded on Monday night, the shofar is sounded at the end of the service to break the day-long fast. The hope is that prayers are accepted by God, sealing people in the Book of Life for a healthy, prosperous year ahead.
The shofar embodies healing, wholeness, and spiritual redemption. In the book, “The Angels Among Us,” the shofar plays a role in a miraculous recovery story. Nikki Goldstein, a celebrated journalist in Sydney, Australia, faced chronic lung disease and autoimmune issues for years. Her condition looked dire in early September 2022, as a CT scan revealed extensive lung consolidation and scarring, along with a severe lung infection. She was placed on a ventilator and emergency lung transplant list, entering a coma while entrusting herself to God.
Her husband, Rowan, and daughter were present when Nikki’s daughter noticed a rabbi nearby. Rowan approached the rabbi, Eli Schlanger, from Bondi Beach’s Chabad synagogue, to request prayers for Nikki. As he was leaving, Rabbi Schlanger blew his shofar over her, at Rowan’s request, providing deep solace.
Remarkably, 24 hours later, Nikki’s lungs began to improve, showing positive changes in her chest X-ray. She was awakened from the coma, marking a medical miracle. Nikki later co-authored “Conversations With My Rabbi” with Rabbi Schlanger.
On December 14, 2025, during Hanukkah at Archer Park, Bondi Beach, over 1,000 people gathered for the menorah lighting when two gunmen launched an antisemitic attack. Rabbi Schlanger confronted the attackers, pleading for peace, but tragically was killed. His wife and baby survived despite injuries.
In another instance, a rabbi admitted to the hospital after a stroke, attributed his diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to the shofar. He believed it led to the discovery of his health issues.
The shofar’s history roots in the Old Testament where it was first blown at Mount Sinai during the giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:16). It continues to inspire and symbolize healing miracles.
Editor’s note: Dr. Marc Siegel’s new book, “THE ANGELS AMONG US” will be released on Nov. 18, 2026, available for preorder via Fox Books, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
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