The Zaddik: The Battle for a Boy's Soul

by Elaine Grudin Denholtz

A thirteen-year-old Brooklyn boy is kidnapped and hidden for years in Europe and Canada. Incredibly, the abductors are a Hasidic rabbi and his zealous followers backed by top-dollar lawyers. Against... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1573929204
• ISBN13: 9781573929202
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 378 Pages
• Weight: 1.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Riveting -- and true

Riveting. Also terribly sad and of serious concern. I could not put it down. And then I re-read it. Author Elaine Grudin Denholtz reports here on the sad tale of a little boy who was kidnapped from his parents by religious leaders who felt that they were saving the boy's soul by doing so -- who evidently believed that their religious laws trump all other laws, and concluded that kidnapping, lying, and concealing information were therefore justifiable actions. After several court battles, the parents eventually recovered their son physically; tragically, they were not able to recover the boy they had lost. In this situation, Stockholm Syndrome took a particularly ominous turn. The boy quickly and permanently acquired the habits of his kidnappers -- who taught him, after all, that his soul would be forever lost if he were to return to his non-religious family. Of continuing concern are reports of other children who have been taken from their families in this way by religious leaders who possess political influence. By the way, in response to concerns raised by other reviewers -- the story and facts are true, as has been attested by those I know who have personal knowledge of the facts. The author has provided a carefully detailed bibliography of source material including various court records and other documentation.

Interesting story

The story of Shai Fhima's kidnapping and the journey to get him back is one which is very hard to read and understand. This being a true story makes it that much harder. I would not call it a 'good book' because of the content, but I will say that I am very glad I read it. The events are absolutely horrifying, but important to be aware of. There are sick and disturbing things that go on in this world. I recommend it.