Challenging Faith is a true story of significance that introduces the Simon family of Cloppenburg, Germany to the world. They were a Jewish family living in peace and harmony amongst their predominantly Christian community when Hitler came to power in the 1930's. His ascension to the head of the German government was lethal for the Jewish populace along with so many other citizens of a once civilized society. Karl Simon, the father, is arrested and imprisoned on Kristallnacht, his loving family is torn apart to save as many of his four daughters as possible. Two of the daughters, Ruth and Hilde, are sent to England under the auspices of the Kindertransport, and the rest of the family will make more sacrifices. Among their struggle for survival and asylum they will board a boat bound for Cuba sanctioned by Hitler. However, they and their fellow refugees on the ship are deceived and used as pawns in an ugly political game of cat and mice--and, tragically, some of them are inextricably trapped. Take your time falling in love with the Simons. Each member is precious and you will grow to respect them and their devotion to each other and their faith. It is a story of tragedy and triumph both heartwarming and heartbreaking. But this story is not just about the war and the Holocaust, it's much more. It explains how those Simons that survive build their lives back from anguish to strength, from despair through courage to triumph and celebration. Challenging Faith will touch you and make you look at today's society in a different way--perhaps.

Ruth Heinemann is the second oldest of four daughters that Karl and Selma Simon welcomed to their family in the 1920's. They were one of nine Jewish families that lived in a small town in Germany. Once Adolph Hitler came to power, things changed dramatically and their lives were irrevocably altered along with their fellow Jews and many others deemed "Enemies of the State".

The Simon family was torn apart in order to survive. The girls' father was arrested on Kristallnacht, and Selma had to make the ultimate decision of which two of her four  precious children she would send to England for safekeeping.

When Karl was released from the concentration camp, he was warned that if he and his family did not leave Germany within six months, there would be dire consequences.

When the remainder of the family was made aware of an opportunity to depart for  Havana, Cuba on a ship called the MS St Louis, they did everything they could to book passage on it. However, there was trouble almost from the beginning for the 937 refugee/passengers on the ship and the majority of them were returned to Europe.

It is a remarkable story and one that many people may never have heard. Eventually the eldest daughter, Edith, is able to embark for England by herself, but the remaining Simons meet a tragic fate.

Ruth is now almost 98 years old and wanted to tell the story of her life all her life. She and her two sisters found the courage to overcome their early losses and established themselves as proud American citizens of their new home. 

There is much more to her family's story including return visits to her hometown and the amazing experiences they shared in their former country. This true story is a real page turner as is the amazing Ruth Heinemann who still looks forward to each day.

Susan Heinemann Berman grew up in the outskirts of Boston. She lives with her husband in the suburbs of Atlanta now. She and Steve have lived in many places throughout their 50 plus years of marriage including New York, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Ohio and Tennessee. The couple have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law and a beautiful grandson. Susan went back to school and graduated with a marketing degree from Kennesaw State University in 2004, and has many years of experience in journalism, sales and charitable organizations. Challenging Faith is her first book. It is written with love and compassion for her family and the Jewish heritage her parents imparted to her. Both her parents were Holocaust survivors. Thankfully, her mother, Ruth, lives close by—she is 97 1/2. Susan enjoys spending time with her mother, plays mahjong and works out. This book has been a labor of love and has taken her three years to bring to fruition with the enthusiasm and support of many friends and family.