Cherry Hill, New Jersey was rocked by the 1994 murder of Carol Neulander, wife of Senior Rabbi Fred Neulander of Congregation M'kor Shalom. Evidence of the rabbi's sexual improprieties soon surfaced, followed by allegations that he was implicated in the murder.

Associate Rabbi Gary Mazo, just four years out of seminary, found himself thrust into the leadership of 4,000-member M'kor Shalom. He became the youngest rabbi of a Reform congregation of that size in the country. Crisis reveals character. Despite his youth and lack of experience, despite advice from colleagues to leave the perilous situation, Rabbi Mazo made the commitment to stay and bring healing to his community. He faced the daunting challenge of helping them overcome their grief and pain, and renew their faith.

Adding to the complexity of Mazo's burden, Fred Neulander had been his mentor--the man he most admired and wanted to work for. This part of his inner struggle is not yet over: charges against Neulander have been upgraded to capital murder. A death sentence is possible if he is found guilty. Mazo expects to be called as a witness for both the prosecution and the defense when the trial starts early in 2001.

Inspiration came from the scriptural story of Moses' encounter with God in the form of a bush that burned yet was not consumed by the flames. Rabbi Mazo and M'kor Shalom searched within the heart of their faith to find God in the flames that enveloped them. This concise, eloquently written book relates that journey.

For more information, contact:

Carl Goldman
Rising Star Press
650/966-8920
editor@RisingStarPress.c
http://www.RisingStarPress.com