Neulander’s death brings an end to a case that captivated the community for decades. The murder of his wife, Carol, in 1994 sent shockwaves through the tight-knit town of Cherry Hill, where he served as the beloved rabbi of Congregation M’kor Shalom. The idea that a religious leader could be involved in such a heinous crime was unthinkable to many, and the subsequent trial and conviction only added to the sense of betrayal felt by his former congregants. However, Neulander always maintained his innocence, claiming that the hired hit men acted on their own and were motivated by robbery. Despite this, he was found guilty of orchestrating the murder and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in 2003.
Throughout his time in prison, Neulander continued to insist on his innocence and fought to clear his name. He submitted multiple appeals, all of which were denied by the courts. His case became a cause célèbre for some who believed in his innocence, while others saw him as a cold-hearted killer who got what he deserved. The truth of what really happened that fateful night in November 1994 may never be known, but Neulander’s death marks the final chapter in a tragic saga that has haunted the community for nearly three decades.
The legacy of Fred Neulander is a complicated one. To some, he will always be remembered as a charismatic and inspiring leader who brought comfort and guidance to his congregation. To others, he will be forever tainted by the accusations of murder and betrayal that surrounded him in his final years. The merging of Congregation M’kor Shalom with Temple Emanuel in 2019 marked the end of an era for those who had known and loved Neulander, and his death only solidifies the fact that his story is now truly over.
As the details of Neulander’s death continue to emerge, questions will inevitably arise about what really happened behind bars in the final moments of his life. Was it a natural death, the result of old age and declining health, or was foul play involved? The lack of a cause of death released by authorities only adds to the mystery surrounding his passing. Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain: Fred Neulander’s death marks the end of a dark chapter in the history of Cherry Hill and the Congregation M’kor Shalom, leaving behind a legacy that is as controversial as it is enduring.
