Of Medicine, Miracles, and Mindsets

For nine weeks before he was born, his parents were told by the doctors to “let nature take its course.” His parents opted to look beyond nature.

When their sixth child was diagnosed in utero with complex congenital heart and gastrointestinal defects, Elie and Chaya Rochel Estrin knew they had a tough ride ahead. Their determined battle to save baby Nissi was waged in spite of doctors’ predictions for a six-hour lifespan. It was a struggle inspired by the Jewish approach to life, deep Chassidic insights, and spurred on by overt miracles — resulting in the remarkable medical journey recounted here.

Of Medicine, Miracles, and Mindsets is a candid journal of fear and determination, a passionately eloquent yet humorous chronicle of the beauty and the ugliness in hospitals, of patient advocacy, of unwavering parental love, and of optimism and trust in G-d — even under the most trying and difficult circumstances.

“A gripping tale of perseverance and not taking no for an answer… A manual for proactive faith in G-d, [and] a must-read for every parent.”

-Rabbi Yisroel Edelman, Rabbi, Young Israel of Deerfield Beach

“This poignant story…is a case study in how the patient-physician-family relationship can go wrong and how the determination of a family can make all of the difference…”

-Jeffrey Levsky, MD, PhD, Professor of Cardiothoracic Radiology and Medicine/Cardiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

“Provides long-needed and absolutely invaluable advice for medical providers, families, and friends…”

-Dr. Sarah Stroup, Professor of Classics at the University of Washington

“Heartfelt, heartrending, and heartwarming all at once.”

-Lieutenant General Mike Plehn, USAF

Rabbi Elie and Chaya Rochel Estrin served as the co-directors of Chabad at University of Washington in Seattle for thirteen years. After moving to North Miami Beach, FL, Rabbi Estrin became the Military Personnel Liaison for the Aleph Institute, combining his Jewish outreach experience with his military position as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve. Rabbi Estrin also teaches at the Chaya Aydel Seminary in Hallandale Beach, FL, and is a sought-after inspirational speaker. When Chaya Rochel is not serving as Nissi’s medical coordinator, chauffeur, and multi-disciplinary therapist alongside being the mom for their other five children, she works in data management.