Rabbis of the Garden State

<p>In the suburbs of New Jersey where temple gossip flows like Manischewitz wine eleven-year-old Andy becomes entangled in a whirlwind of maternal quirks and religious intrigue. His mother's bizarre obsession with Rabbi Landy transforms their once-quiet life above a candy store into a tale of surprises.</p><p></p><p>Andy's world features a colorful cast: a fiery sister an invisible brother a precociously sexual savant best friend with green teeth and a foul-mouthed neighbor who rivals the 50-Foot Woman. As he navigates from confusion to understanding his journey is filled with humor and heartfelt moments.</p><p></p><p>When forced into yeshiva with the rabbi's insufferable sons Andy becomes drawn to his magnetic Talmud teacher Rabbi Loobling. His exploration of faith desire and family secrets unfolds from the streets of the Garden State to the halls of college revealing the complex adults around him.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Rabbis of the Garden State</em></strong> delivers a sharp look at synagogue life laced with teenage yearning. This powerful portrayal of suburban Jewish life in the '60s is both funny and moving. As Andy transitions to adulthood the mysteries of childhood unravel exposing secrets and deep truths about family faith and the unexpected twists of love. Daniel Meltz's beautifully crafted debut novel captures the spirit of an era and delves into the timeless questions of belonging belief and the complicated relationships that shape us all.</p>