Although synagogue leaders are well meaning, the issue is challenging.

But synagogue leaders say they suspect youths on the fringe of highly observant Orthodox Jewish groups, judging from previous incidents and a "calling card" left at the scene.

However, rabbis and synagogue leaders are now working together to find ways to make rabbinic life more "family-friendly" and less stressful.

Although the stated reasons have to do with crowding and parking, synagogue leaders say these concerns cloak less palatable objections.

The Apostle Thomas, prior to his calling, is depicted as a servant of Jairus, the synagogue leader whose 12-year-old daughter Jesus raises from the dead.

"Someone said that the synagogue leaders are no different from the people who crashed their planes into the World Trade Center," he said.

That is why a delegation of three synagogue leaders set off last year to the home of a 30ish jewelry worker in Rego Park.

Rabbi Mazo and other synagogue leaders knew by then that the rumors about Rabbi Neulander's infidelity were true.

The synagogue leaders refer in the suit to "rogue Hasidic summer residents."

Some of the rabbi's supporters blame synagogue leaders for consistently undermining the rabbi's authority and ultimately driving him away.