A CT prisoner in New Jersey, Fred Neulander, the rabbi who organized the world’s largest Menorah celebration in New York City, has been found dead in prison, following a three-year sentence for the murder of his wife, Carol Neulander. Neulander, a former synagogue leader, was convicted in 2002 for hiring hitmen to kill his wife in 1994. The hitmen attacked Carol Neulander in their Cherry Hill home, leading to her tragic death at the age of 52.
The murder plot that Neulander orchestrated was part of a twisted plan to continue an affair with a radio personality from Philadelphia. Neulander’s desire to have his wife killed in a staged robbery ultimately led to his conviction and imprisonment. Despite his sentence of 30 years, Neulander served only 22 years prior to his recent passing in prison.
The Cherry Hill community, where Neulander previously served as a senior rabbi, was rocked by the scandal and tragic events surrounding Carol Neulander’s death. The case drew significant media attention, inspiring various docu-dramas and creating a lasting impact on the local community. The closure of Congregation M’kor Shalom in 2022, a synagogue founded by Neulander, marked the end of an era tainted by scandal and tragedy.
While Neulander’s death brings closure to a dark chapter in the Cherry Hill community, the impact of his actions continues to resonate. The tragic death of Carol Neulander serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of greed and betrayal within a seemingly idyllic community setting. The legacy of the Neulander case lives on in the hearts of those who were affected by the shocking events that unfolded in a once-tranquil neighborhood.
The details of Fred Neulander’s death in prison remain shrouded in mystery, leaving lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding his passing. Despite the passage of time, the memories of Carol Neulander and the events that led to her untimely demise continue to haunt those who were touched by the tragedy. Neulander’s legacy, tarnished by scandal and deceit, serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences it can bring upon unsuspecting victims.