As a Jewish boy in France during World War II, Leo Michel Abrami evaded Nazi persecution when his mother sent him to live in Normandy disguised as a Catholic boy. When the war ended, he returned to some semblance of a traditional life.

As his life and career evolved, however, it became anything but traditional. In this engaging autobiography, Rabbi Arieh narrates stories about people, places, and events with both candor and keen observation. He served congregations worldwide, from the United States to Guatemala and South Africa. He also served as a prison chaplain in California, counseling murderers such as Charles Manson and Edmund Kemper.

Rabbi Arieh's stories are infused with his strong faith and his unique perspective on Judaism. Numerous challenges arose because of his nondenominational and pluralistic attitude toward all segments of the Jewish community. While his non-allegiance to any single denomination made his professional life more difficult, it was a matter of deep personal conviction.

Above all else, Rabbi Arieh endeavored to bring his message of faith to the people and communities he served. Through this series of captivating anecdotes you'll be inspired by his life of service and scholarship.

"THOUGH IT IS MORE THAN sixty years later, the memories of World War II continue to haunt me. However determined I was to erase them from my consciousness through the years, they simply would not fade away. Thus, I resolved to write this memoir in the hope that it would liberate me from the shackles of their continual recollection." With these words, Leo Michel Abrami begins his poignant memoir of childhood in Nazi-occupied France, recounting the numerous dangers faced by his family during these years and his hiding on an isolated farm in Normandy. It is a story seen through a child's eyes, full of beauty and betrayal. It is a story of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, most importantly, young Leo's courageous and inventive mother who, according to him, is "the real hero of this story." " The Eleventh Commandment], like The Cellist of Sarajevo brought me close to the horrors of war and shows in a touching and highly personal way how people are changed by it and how powerful and admirable is the will to survive." - Barbara Milbourn, reviewer, Nashville, Tennessee

As a Jewish boy in France during World War II, Leo Michel Abrami evaded Nazi persecution when his mother sent him to live in Normandy disguised as a Catholic boy. When the war ended, he returned to some semblance of a traditional life.

As his life and career evolved, however, it became anything but traditional. In this engaging autobiography, Rabbi Arieh narrates stories about people, places, and events with both candor and keen observation. He served congregations worldwide, from the United States to Guatemala and South Africa. He also served as a prison chaplain in California, counseling murderers such as Charles Manson and Edmund Kemper.

Rabbi Arieh's stories are infused with his strong faith and his unique perspective on Judaism. Numerous challenges arose because of his nondenominational and pluralistic attitude toward all segments of the Jewish community. While his non-allegiance to any single denomination made his professional life more difficult, it was a matter of deep personal conviction.

Above all else, Rabbi Arieh endeavored to bring his message of faith to the people and communities he served. Through this series of captivating anecdotes you'll be inspired by his life of service and scholarship.