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Operating With God
Dr. James J. Elist and his surgical team operating on a patient in the operating room

All proceeds donated to charity

Operating With God:
A Surgeon's Stories of Faith

— by James J. Elist, M.D.

A captivating journey through the life of a prominent surgeon, driven by his unwavering connection to his Creator.

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Reader Reviews

What readers say

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★★★★★
“This book touched my heart in ways I never expected. Dr. Elist's stories of faith and his experiences in the operating room are not just inspiring, but they also remind us of the divine presence in everyday life. A must-read!”
Ethan Goldberg
★★★★★
“A beautiful, inspiring and spiritual journey into the world of renowned doctor, Dr. Elist. He shares stories of his unshakable resolve and powerful belief in a single all-knowing G-d. Thank you, Doctor!”
Hilda G
★★★★★
“Dr. Elist's faith in Hashem's hashgacha pratit is evident in every story he tells. His book is an inspiring reminder that, whether in the operating room or in everyday life, Hashem is always guiding us toward the best outcome.”
Jackob Levy
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Contents

You'll find in this book

True stories from a surgeon's life exploring faith, prayer, responsibility, unexpected outcomes, and the quiet presence of divine providence.

214

Pages

English

Language

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Preview

A story of medicine, faith, and meaning.

Step inside the experiences that taught one surgeon to look beyond what medicine alone could explain.

01

Faith in Uncertain Moments

Medicine often requires decisions without guarantees. These stories explore what it means to act responsibly while placing trust in something greater than ourselves.

02

Divine Providence

Unexpected meetings, unlikely outcomes, and moments of remarkable timing led Dr. Elist to reflect on hashgacha pratit—the belief that our lives are guided with purpose.

03

Prayer & Perseverance

Some of life's most difficult moments require more than knowledge or skill. They require patience, prayer, humility, and the determination to keep going.

04

Medicine & Spirituality

Professional life and spiritual life do not have to exist separately. Dr. Elist's stories demonstrate how deeply the two can intersect.

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Chapter One

A Circle of Kindness

Operating With God

James J. Elist, M.D.

Page 1 of 17

Rabbi Yedidia Shofet

From the Foreword

“When we attune ourselves to Hashem's messages, we not only find comfort and clarity in difficult times, but also witness the incredible power of divine providence at work in our lives.”

From the Foreword by Rabbi Yedidia Shofet

Dr. James J. Elist holding Operating With God

Meet the Author

James J. Elist, M.D.

Surgeon · Inventor · Author

Dr. James J. Elist is a urologist, surgeon, medical innovator, and author whose career has spanned more than four decades.

Throughout his professional life, medicine taught him to rely on training, evidence, and careful judgment. His personal experiences taught him something else: some of the most meaningful moments in life cannot be understood through knowledge alone.

Read Dr. Elist's story