The Conversion of Chaplain Cohen

by Herbert Tarr

"Amusing, powerful and deeply felt... the initiation of an ingenuous Brooklyn rabbi named David Cohen into the paradoxes, absurdities, horrors and heroisms of military life." --- New York Herald Tribune

Genres: Fiction, Jewish

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book many times and love it more each time. Filled with humor and pathos and many messages that have withstood the 50 years since it was first published. A very highly recommended book.

[Sandy Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I knew that I would be in for another laugh fest having first read Heaven Help Us! by Herbert Tarr. I was back in the hospital recovering from another surgery (it was a bad year for me), went the book cart lady came around. Sure enough, she had another book by Rabbi Tarr.

This is the story of an ex-Marine chaplin (Jewish...just in case you wondered). Not only that but his tall, blond and blue eyed and about 30 something and unmarried. This apparently is not very normal in the faith.

Let me relate one of my favorite bits. He is a guest in the home of one of the ladies' from the temple. The are having wine before the dinner starts and she ask him to say a blessing. He looks down and there is a fly floating in his wine. "It is written in the Talmud that it is better to throw oneself on the burning bush than to humiliate someone publicly." Of course he didn't have one handy. What would he do? "I don't know what other Rabbis do, but I lied."

Now there I was, reading after lights out. I get to a part that is so funny, I can't help but start laughing. You know the kind you just can't hold in. So I shove my face into my pillow to muffle the noise. About this time I hear the squeakiness of nurse's shoes on the tile floor. She, "What is so funny? If you can't contain yourself, it will be lights out for you!" I handed her the book and said, "Just read from here to here." I don't know how far she made it before there was the sound of rapid squeaks as she raced out the door. But, I did hear the beginning peals of laughter as the swinging door flapped.

It may be out of print but a good library should be able to get you a copy if you can't find it in a half price book store.

Hey, I just found this and Heaven Help Us! on Amazon.

[Steven Drachman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book almost 35 years ago and still remember it vividly. (Maybe it is time to read it again.) it's not the non-stop laugh riot others mention - it's full of wit, but some of it is poignant and some of it quite sad.

[Catherine Lienhard]

Very pleasant reading.

(read 10/16/67)

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Conversion of Chaplain Cohen is a lighthearted look at the life of a Jewish chaplain in the USAF. With a phobia about flying, unmarried New York born Rabbi David Cohen, finds himself assigned to be a chaplain in the Air Force, nonetheless. He ends up at a base in Mississippi, a base with fewer than 20 Jews and no single Jewish women for him to meet. So, he spends his time presenting Moral Leadership lectures which all the men are mandated to attend (and where they often fall asleep.) In an effort to capture the men’s attention, he tells a tale about counting your chickens before they are hatched. He is holding three raw eggs as he starts the lecture but they slip from his hands, breaking on the floor. Suddenly, the entire room is awake and alert, waiting to see his uniform covered with egg yolks. This little stunt results in the men not only focusing on this and subsequent lectures, but also feeling comfortable with approaching David when they are in need of counseling or someone to talk to.

Despite the fact that he is popular with the men, David’s more tolerant Northern views manage to alienate himself from the leader of the local town’s Jewish community as well as the base’s Commander. As a result, he is sent on a TDY assignment to Goose Bay, Canada with the men who are responsible for Strategic Air Command duties. The only way to get there is to fly . . . and David’s phobia kicks in full force. How he handles flying provides many humorous moments, but life in Goose Bay and later back at his base in Mississippi, includes both joyful and heartbreaking episodes. As his tour of duty draws to an end, David is looking forward to returning to New York, at the same time realizing that he will miss the men, as well as the life he has learned to care for. Much happens to influence his decision and the conclusion of the book is very satisfying. I laughed, I cried, and I found this to be an enjoyable, funny book. You can’t help but join the men in finding Chaplain Cohen to be a truly endearing character.

[Arlyne B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this many decades ago and still smile when I think of it. It was a delightful read.

[Alfrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read several of Herbert Tarr's novels in a row a few months back. This particular title resonated with me since he joined the Air Force back in the late 60's and produced this book about his experiences.
I was in the Air force about the same time. The historic moment of the novel along with the military experiences, especially in San Antonio on the base, rang true to mine(not that I was a Jewish chaplain).
At any rate, his time doing his duty for his country brought back memories of my own obligations in a time lost and practically forgotten.
This is a light hearted book during a not so light hearted historical moment. Anyone interested in military service during the late d60's would definitely enjoy this offering. I recommend it.

[Chaike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book (and the movie they made of it). While packing up in preparation for some renovations I came across my mother's 1963 paperback copy which is rather tattered and mildewed. I don't know if today's young reader would enjoy it but if you're over a certain age I highly recommend it. Being Jewish and American also helps.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous, and at times poignant, this book tells the story of a earnest, newly ordained rabbi's experience in the US Air Force. One of my favorite parts was in the beginning when David Cohen is in chaplaincy school and in response to his and his Christian roommate's quirks, they promise each other not to judge all Jews and all Christians based on each other.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

very effective, with humor and pathos, but i didn't quite understand the final paragraph.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, and engaging writing.