When Being Jewish Was a Crime

This story is about a Jewish man, Rachmiel Frydland, who lived in Poland during WWII. In the early chapters, the reader gets a glimpse into the many customs of the Jewish faith. Lest the reader start to get exasperated by the cumbersomeness of it all, Mr. Frydland gives Biblical support for the various practices.In the middle chapters, Mr. Frydland recounts how he became a Christian, and how this coincided with Germany taking over Poland. Then, the reader is exposed to how cruelly the Germans treated the Jews and how very few people were willing to help them out, even people who were suppose to be such Godly men. During this time, Mr. Frydland manages to hold onto his faith, lead others to believe in God, fall in love, get married, and lose his wife, parents, and siblings all before turning 25.In the final chapters, Mr. Frydland relates the war's end and how he goes on (thank God) to better days.The story is told in a straightforward, humble manner. There are no harsh recriminations for the antagonists in this story, only the ever present questions of "What is God's will even now? What is He trying to accomplish through my life?"The story makes you cry, even though it doesn't mean to. During the chapters when Mr. Frydland recounts of the Nazis' cruelty and the Polish people's treachery, there are no accusations - only the retelling of the facts as they were.It is a story for any believer to take to heart and emulate.

Excellent account of a Jewish man's experience in WWII while he faithfully followed the Almighty G-d of Israel. This is a very important book to read.