The Wall, the Mount, and the Mystery of the Red Heifer

At Jerusalem's Western Wall, a group of progressive Jewish women clash with ultra-Orthodox Jewish men over the right to pray at the holy site while wearing traditionally male prayer garments. All parties involved in the conflict are Jewish. If Israel's Jewish sects cannot get along, how will Jews and Muslims find peace?

Sidney B. Silverman's new novel, "The Wall, the Mount, and the Mystery of the Red Heifer," explores the powerful personal beliefs that drive conflict in the Middle East through three very different, but equally incendiary, conflicts. The story begins with the women's fight for equal access to the Wall, and weaves through the struggle for control of the Temple Mount. It's long been prophesized that the appearance of a rare, pure-red heifer will signify the rebuilding of the Jewish temple. When a rabbi finds such a cow mysteriously tied to a post outside his home, it seems the time has come. What outcome will the heifer's appearance have on the third and most seminal battle, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

There are two sides to every story, and Silverman brings vivid life to the personal narratives of the various stakeholders.