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The Rabbi Small Mysteries #2
Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry
Rabbi Small returns in this New York Times–bestselling novel to investigate a mysterious death on the Day of Atonement
The day before Yom Kippur, the synagogue sound system is on the blink, the floral arrangements are in disarray, and a member of Rabbi David Small’s congregation—in the Massachusetts town of Barnard’s Crossing—is terribly concerned with how much a Torah weighs. The rabbi is determined not to let these mundane concerns ruin his day of prayer and contemplation. But the holiest day of the Jewish year is interrupted when a member of the congregation is found dead in his car.
Details emerge that suggest the man may have killed himself, but the rabbi’s wife suspects murder. Which is it? Rabbi Small kicks into high detective gear to find out. His search for the culprit among the small town’s cast of eccentric characters leads to nail-biting suspense in this highly entertaining and engrossing mystery.
The day before Yom Kippur, the synagogue sound system is on the blink, the floral arrangements are in disarray, and a member of Rabbi David Small’s congregation—in the Massachusetts town of Barnard’s Crossing—is terribly concerned with how much a Torah weighs. The rabbi is determined not to let these mundane concerns ruin his day of prayer and contemplation. But the holiest day of the Jewish year is interrupted when a member of the congregation is found dead in his car.
Details emerge that suggest the man may have killed himself, but the rabbi’s wife suspects murder. Which is it? Rabbi Small kicks into high detective gear to find out. His search for the culprit among the small town’s cast of eccentric characters leads to nail-biting suspense in this highly entertaining and engrossing mystery.
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First published January 1, 1966
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About the author
Harry Kemelman
64 books146 followersHarry Kemelman was an American mystery writer and a professor of English. He was the creator of one of the most famous religious sleuths, Rabbi David Small.
His writing career began with short stories for Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine featuring New England college professor Nicky Welt, the first of which, "The Nine Mile Walk", is considered a classic.
The Rabbi Small series began in 1964 with the publication of Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, which became a huge bestseller, a difficult achievement for a religious mystery, and won Kemelman a 1965 Edgar Award for Best First Novel. The Rabbi Small books are not only mysteries, but also considerations of Conservative Judaism.
His writing career began with short stories for Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine featuring New England college professor Nicky Welt, the first of which, "The Nine Mile Walk", is considered a classic.
The Rabbi Small series began in 1964 with the publication of Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, which became a huge bestseller, a difficult achievement for a religious mystery, and won Kemelman a 1965 Edgar Award for Best First Novel. The Rabbi Small books are not only mysteries, but also considerations of Conservative Judaism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
August 18, 2018
This is the second book in the Rabbi Small series and was originally published in 1966. The first book in the series, Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was adapted into a made for TV movie. The protagonist is the series is Rabbi David Small, a young and likable character. The setting is the Massachusetts town of Barnard’s Crossing.
When the story opens it is the day before Yom Kippur and Rabbi Small is dealing with several crises. There are problems with the synagogue's sound system, concerns with floral arrangements, and a member of the congregation questions how much a Torah weighs. But then Rabbi Small is presented with another problem that is not easily resolved. A resident of Barnard’s Crossing is found dead in his car. He was Jewish but not a member of the congregation. His wife is not Jewish but she wants him buried in the synagogue's cemetery and have Rabbi Small conduct the service. This is not a problem if the man did not commit suicide. The police have ruled the death an accident so Rabbi Small agrees to conduct the service and internment in the cemetery. The insurance investigator, however, believes it was suicide and some members of the synagogue are upset with Rabbi Small.
After meeting with Police Chief Lanigan and the insurance investigator Rabbi Small comes to the conclusion that it was neither an accident or suicide. It was murder. He presents his findings on why it was murder. The victim was a mathematician and an alcoholic. Who would want him dead? And why? There are several suspects but it was Yom Kippur and most would seem to have an alibi. They were attending services at the synagogue. Or were they?
This is a murder mystery but there is no real violence. A body is found and it is determined to be murder. Rabbi Small uses logic and the Talmud to solve problems. The story is somewhat dated (it was published in 1966) but it is still enjoyable and the characters likable. And a side benefit is I learn some things about the Jewish faith.
When the story opens it is the day before Yom Kippur and Rabbi Small is dealing with several crises. There are problems with the synagogue's sound system, concerns with floral arrangements, and a member of the congregation questions how much a Torah weighs. But then Rabbi Small is presented with another problem that is not easily resolved. A resident of Barnard’s Crossing is found dead in his car. He was Jewish but not a member of the congregation. His wife is not Jewish but she wants him buried in the synagogue's cemetery and have Rabbi Small conduct the service. This is not a problem if the man did not commit suicide. The police have ruled the death an accident so Rabbi Small agrees to conduct the service and internment in the cemetery. The insurance investigator, however, believes it was suicide and some members of the synagogue are upset with Rabbi Small.
After meeting with Police Chief Lanigan and the insurance investigator Rabbi Small comes to the conclusion that it was neither an accident or suicide. It was murder. He presents his findings on why it was murder. The victim was a mathematician and an alcoholic. Who would want him dead? And why? There are several suspects but it was Yom Kippur and most would seem to have an alibi. They were attending services at the synagogue. Or were they?
This is a murder mystery but there is no real violence. A body is found and it is determined to be murder. Rabbi Small uses logic and the Talmud to solve problems. The story is somewhat dated (it was published in 1966) but it is still enjoyable and the characters likable. And a side benefit is I learn some things about the Jewish faith.
June 6, 2019
Read as part of the omnibus "Four Rabbi Small Mysteries" (Kindle edition). I continue to find Rabbi David Small a very interesting character and am learning some aspects of Jewish religion and tradition. The mystery is well crafted and conforms to my preference that all the clues and information are available to the reader -- the fact that I couldn't figure it out is a sign of a good mystery imo!
October 25, 2020
I just love Rabbi David Small. I love how he uses the Jewish logic system and beliefs to support his actions, and doesn't back down. And I love his ever suffering wife Miriam...and their new baby from this story!
December 3, 2021
In this second Rabbi Small mystery, Rabbi David Small gets drawn into a police investigation when a man is found dead on the eve of Yom Kippur, apparently as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Although the man was Jewish, he was not a member of Rabbi Small’s congregation. Nonetheless, his non-Jewish widow wants him to be buried in the Jewish cemetery.
This request causes some difficulty because it is not completely clear how the man died. If it was by suicide, it would not be permissible for him to be buried in the cemetery. Although an insurance investigator argues that it was suicide (which would conveniently invalidate the dead man’s insurance policy), the police rule it accidental. This clears the way for Rabbi Small to allow the burial.
Unfortunately for the rabbi, however, several prominent members of the temple board don’t accept his decision and plot to undermine him. He feels he has no choice but to tender his resignation. The timing couldn’t be worse, as he and his wife, Miriam, are expecting their first child in a matter of days.
Meanwhile, because of the controversy over the burial, Rabbi Small wants to be as sure as possible about how the man died. When he looks into it with police chief Hugh Lanigan, he becomes convinced that the man was murdered. Lanigan agrees with him, but because of the circumstances of the death, there are few clues and no suspects. That doesn’t stop Rabbi Small, whose amateur detective work relies on his Talmudic reasoning skills rather than standard police methods.
I enjoyed this book very much, although maybe a smidgeon less than the first one in the series. The mystery is intriguing. Kemelman has again assembled a great cast of characters and has a great ear for dialogue. The book is often gently humorous. And without being at all didactic, it offers some interesting insights into Jewish religion and culture. It all adds up to a worthwhile and enjoyable read.
This request causes some difficulty because it is not completely clear how the man died. If it was by suicide, it would not be permissible for him to be buried in the cemetery. Although an insurance investigator argues that it was suicide (which would conveniently invalidate the dead man’s insurance policy), the police rule it accidental. This clears the way for Rabbi Small to allow the burial.
Unfortunately for the rabbi, however, several prominent members of the temple board don’t accept his decision and plot to undermine him. He feels he has no choice but to tender his resignation. The timing couldn’t be worse, as he and his wife, Miriam, are expecting their first child in a matter of days.
Meanwhile, because of the controversy over the burial, Rabbi Small wants to be as sure as possible about how the man died. When he looks into it with police chief Hugh Lanigan, he becomes convinced that the man was murdered. Lanigan agrees with him, but because of the circumstances of the death, there are few clues and no suspects. That doesn’t stop Rabbi Small, whose amateur detective work relies on his Talmudic reasoning skills rather than standard police methods.
I enjoyed this book very much, although maybe a smidgeon less than the first one in the series. The mystery is intriguing. Kemelman has again assembled a great cast of characters and has a great ear for dialogue. The book is often gently humorous. And without being at all didactic, it offers some interesting insights into Jewish religion and culture. It all adds up to a worthwhile and enjoyable read.
February 24, 2018
A mathematician is found dead in his car on Yom Kippur and what initially looks like a suicide turns out to be murder. Certain members of his congregation may be implicated and Rabbi David Small is determined to find out who the murderer is. The insight into Jewish philosophy and religious practices was very interesting, but there just wasn’t much “mystery” to it and I’m not sure the characters (including Rabbi Small and his wife) are engaging enough to continue with the series.
2.5 stars, rounded up because I did enjoy it overall.
2.5 stars, rounded up because I did enjoy it overall.
September 25, 2016
I loved this book. It was a fast comfortable read. Great characters that were well rounded and showed good moral character. Meaning even the bad guys were just human nature flaws not the cynical, self centered evil you get in current fiction novels. The plot is detailed and intricate. None of that flash and bang with constant escalation you get in current fiction. Meaning the first half reads like a sequential day to day plot, but then the mystery pops up and you have a "Duh!" moment and realize each scene contained a clue about the killer or one of the red herring suspects. You've seen it all then the intelligence and philosophy of the Rabbi ties it all together. Current books I almost always solve. This one I didn't figure it out till the Rabbi did! Strongly recommend.
January 28, 2008
This only took a few days to read and it was interesting to learn about Jewish philosophy and how they view the world. I felt a better title would be "Rabbi Knows Best" since the Rabbi turns out to be a super sleuth. This book was recommended by my brother David, and so this comment is directed to him: where the heck did you find this? I liked the book, but I was just kinda perplexed how you came to read a 1960's Jewish Murder-Mystery. Kinda obscure...
July 29, 2022
Во второй книжке про раввина Смолла еще меньше детектива, чем в первой, и еще больше еврейского гармидера. Что на самом деле не баг, а фича, потому что автор в первую очередь стремился рассказать своим читателям об иудаизме, еврейской культуре, традициях и жизни еврейского коммьюнити в Америке (такой, какой она была в его эпоху, то есть в 1960-х). В этой книжке, например, он уже во второй раз с успехом доказывает, что в любой ситуации, когда встречаются два еврея, у них будут три противоположных мнения )). Тем не менее, чтение это забавное, местами познавательное, приятно-старомодное и тем умиротворяющее, несмотря на легенький такой бытовой сексизм - но тут куда деваться, эти книжки абсолютный продукт своего времени.
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October 29, 2016These books are like popcorn. You can read them in about two hours, and they are so satisfying. I love them. I reread them every few years to remind myself how Rabbi Small gets into trouble with his congregation and how he get himself out again.
In this case the dispute is over whether a Jewish non-member of his congregation should be buried in the small Jewish cemetery. You see, there's a question of the man's death: was he a suicide or an accident? If a suicide, he should be buried outside the cemetery. At least that's the opinion of the wealthiest member of the congregation, even though R. Small has already ruled that he may be buried there.
In order to put his mind at rest, Rabbi Small looks more deeply into the man's death. The more he looks, the less he likes what he finds.
In this case the dispute is over whether a Jewish non-member of his congregation should be buried in the small Jewish cemetery. You see, there's a question of the man's death: was he a suicide or an accident? If a suicide, he should be buried outside the cemetery. At least that's the opinion of the wealthiest member of the congregation, even though R. Small has already ruled that he may be buried there.
In order to put his mind at rest, Rabbi Small looks more deeply into the man's death. The more he looks, the less he likes what he finds.
March 26, 2018
I'm liking this cozy mystery series so far. A drunk was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in his garage and the police have ruled it an accident. The insurance investigator, however, would rather prove it was suicide so they wouldn't have to pay. After discussing it with Rabbi David Small, all three conclude that they must determine whether or not it was murder.
Despite the slow pace of this series, I find myself enjoying it. I've learned a bit about the Jewish faith from it, and it's been interesting. Every now and then I am reminded to adjust my thinking to a time without cellphones or the internet, since this was written and set in the 60's, but it holds up well. I'll definitely continue with the series.
Despite the slow pace of this series, I find myself enjoying it. I've learned a bit about the Jewish faith from it, and it's been interesting. Every now and then I am reminded to adjust my thinking to a time without cellphones or the internet, since this was written and set in the 60's, but it holds up well. I'll definitely continue with the series.
December 12, 2023
Saturday the Rabbi went Hungry by Harry Kemelman is the 2nd book in the Rabbi Small Mysteries series. A drunken man found dead in his car on Yom Kippur sees Rabbi David Small investigating a possible murder. A delightful mystery where we see the birth of the Rabbi's son. I enjoyed the intricasies of the mystery and the way it tied in to the Jewish customa and celebrations. I love the way the Rabbi stands up for his beliefs and actions. An interesting and charming cozy mystery.
September 13, 2019
COUNTDOWN: Mid-20th Century North American Crime
BOOK 45 (of 250)
I liked this 2nd Rabbi Small outing better than the first: the Rabbi and his neighborhood expands as Kemelman delivers an even better plot. If "Friday" had not won an Edgar, this surely would have!
HOOK=3 stars: The opening reads: "...On the tenth day of this seventh months is the day of atonement, a holy convocation shall it be unto you, and ye shall fast...and no matter of work shall ye do on this day...it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings..."
Now, if you've read "Friday the Rabbi Slept Late" you know Kemelman is going to tie this opening into Rabbi Small's interesting methods of 'investigations.'
PACE = 4: Tight, as Kemelman makes every word count.
PLOT =4: A Mr. Isaac Hirsh may have committed suicide. Or, perhaps it was an accident. Then again, it may have been murder. An insurance investigator is going for a suicide verdict so that the insurance company won't have to pay anything. If it was murder, Mrs. Hirsh gets 25K. If it's an accident, and it sure looks that way, Mrs. Hirsh gets 50K. It takes the Rabbi's knowledge of religious laws to come to the conclusion. I really like what Small has to say about elders: "The Chinese, especially, feel about their elders somewhat as we do. You know, we have a saying that other people boast of the beauty of their women; we boast of our old men." Rabbi Small isn't being sexist: he is saying that intellect (along with knowledge of religious teachings) ultimately rules over everything. And he uses his brain, his own intellect. (I'll leave the argument about women being rabbis outside the realm of this review.) And, if Mr. Hirsh did commit suicide, then Rabbi Small had no right to bury Hirsch in the Jewish cemetery. And, well...Kemelman pulls no tricks: this author just tells a good story.
CAST = 4: Mr. Hirsh likes to drink every once in a while and in fact battles alcoholism. The much younger Mrs. Hirsh knows about the relatively new insurance policy and sure does seem interested in the new local pastor, Peter Dodge, all hot and handsome and the kind of guy who goes for lots of late night walks. Stanley, the temple maintenance man, returns, and he knows a lot (again). Sue Robinson is the president of the Sisterhood. Mortimer Schwartz doesn't like Rabbi Small and as the congregation president Schwartz can rid the neighborhood of Small. Miriam Small is in her 9th month of pregnancy and is worried her rabbi husband, David, might be unemployed soon. Ben Goralsky of Goraltronics may be very rich, very soon...or may have nothing at all.
ATMOSPHERE = 5: This 1966 book delves, surprisingly, into the civil rights movement. And, of course, we get schooled, and often, by Rabbi Small. But in a very good, wonderfully enlightening way: if you don't know much about Jewish traditions (like me), this is a great, although obtuse, way to learn about some of them. It seems to me Kemelman really knows of what he writes. There's no doubt I'll read the rest of this series.
SUMMARY: 4.0. An unusual 'detective' in an original setting. This is not-to-be-missed story-telling for those of us who love 'who-done-its'....or rather, 'what really happened anyway."
BOOK 45 (of 250)
I liked this 2nd Rabbi Small outing better than the first: the Rabbi and his neighborhood expands as Kemelman delivers an even better plot. If "Friday" had not won an Edgar, this surely would have!
HOOK=3 stars: The opening reads: "...On the tenth day of this seventh months is the day of atonement, a holy convocation shall it be unto you, and ye shall fast...and no matter of work shall ye do on this day...it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings..."
Now, if you've read "Friday the Rabbi Slept Late" you know Kemelman is going to tie this opening into Rabbi Small's interesting methods of 'investigations.'
PACE = 4: Tight, as Kemelman makes every word count.
PLOT =4: A Mr. Isaac Hirsh may have committed suicide. Or, perhaps it was an accident. Then again, it may have been murder. An insurance investigator is going for a suicide verdict so that the insurance company won't have to pay anything. If it was murder, Mrs. Hirsh gets 25K. If it's an accident, and it sure looks that way, Mrs. Hirsh gets 50K. It takes the Rabbi's knowledge of religious laws to come to the conclusion. I really like what Small has to say about elders: "The Chinese, especially, feel about their elders somewhat as we do. You know, we have a saying that other people boast of the beauty of their women; we boast of our old men." Rabbi Small isn't being sexist: he is saying that intellect (along with knowledge of religious teachings) ultimately rules over everything. And he uses his brain, his own intellect. (I'll leave the argument about women being rabbis outside the realm of this review.) And, if Mr. Hirsh did commit suicide, then Rabbi Small had no right to bury Hirsch in the Jewish cemetery. And, well...Kemelman pulls no tricks: this author just tells a good story.
CAST = 4: Mr. Hirsh likes to drink every once in a while and in fact battles alcoholism. The much younger Mrs. Hirsh knows about the relatively new insurance policy and sure does seem interested in the new local pastor, Peter Dodge, all hot and handsome and the kind of guy who goes for lots of late night walks. Stanley, the temple maintenance man, returns, and he knows a lot (again). Sue Robinson is the president of the Sisterhood. Mortimer Schwartz doesn't like Rabbi Small and as the congregation president Schwartz can rid the neighborhood of Small. Miriam Small is in her 9th month of pregnancy and is worried her rabbi husband, David, might be unemployed soon. Ben Goralsky of Goraltronics may be very rich, very soon...or may have nothing at all.
ATMOSPHERE = 5: This 1966 book delves, surprisingly, into the civil rights movement. And, of course, we get schooled, and often, by Rabbi Small. But in a very good, wonderfully enlightening way: if you don't know much about Jewish traditions (like me), this is a great, although obtuse, way to learn about some of them. It seems to me Kemelman really knows of what he writes. There's no doubt I'll read the rest of this series.
SUMMARY: 4.0. An unusual 'detective' in an original setting. This is not-to-be-missed story-telling for those of us who love 'who-done-its'....or rather, 'what really happened anyway."
February 28, 2019
Truly enjoying this little series of books, more for the characters and the glimpses of Jewish life than for the plot.
June 6, 2025
"Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry" is book 2 of the Rabbi Small Mysteries. While the novel is somewhat dated, it's not too bad.
In this story, Rabbi Small is asked to perform a funeral over a Jewish man who died under suspicious circumstances.. a possible suicide. This might cause problems burying him in the Jewish cemetery since traditionally, suicides were buried at the edge of the synagogue separated from the others. After an investigation, Rabbi Small decides that it was NOT a suicide, but a big donor to the synagogue objects and the conflict begins. Rabbi Small must solve this mystery because if it wasn't suicide, and it wasn't an accident as the insurance agent claims it was not, then it must be murder, and if the widow is to received the life insurance payment upon the death of her husband, Rabbi Small is going to have to prove that this Jewish man was murdered.
Any complaints? A few but they don't amount to much. There is an interesting twist at the end where Rabbi Small discovers that one piece of evidence that will finger the killer, but it's a little too convenient. The reader is given all the information prior (as far as I can tell looking back) so one could piece it together for one's self, but not definitively.
There is some cursing and some rather crude treatment of women....and races to some extent. While this is not a racist book... just the opposite, in fact...the way the race problem is talked about is bound to make folks uncomfortable. So... brace yourself. It will sound odd to your ears... but not to mine. I lived through those times.
Not a book for kids. Young adults, I suppose it's OK, but if my father saw this book he would say it is for adults only.
In this story, Rabbi Small is asked to perform a funeral over a Jewish man who died under suspicious circumstances.. a possible suicide. This might cause problems burying him in the Jewish cemetery since traditionally, suicides were buried at the edge of the synagogue separated from the others. After an investigation, Rabbi Small decides that it was NOT a suicide, but a big donor to the synagogue objects and the conflict begins. Rabbi Small must solve this mystery because if it wasn't suicide, and it wasn't an accident as the insurance agent claims it was not, then it must be murder, and if the widow is to received the life insurance payment upon the death of her husband, Rabbi Small is going to have to prove that this Jewish man was murdered.
Any complaints? A few but they don't amount to much. There is an interesting twist at the end where Rabbi Small discovers that one piece of evidence that will finger the killer, but it's a little too convenient. The reader is given all the information prior (as far as I can tell looking back) so one could piece it together for one's self, but not definitively.
There is some cursing and some rather crude treatment of women....and races to some extent. While this is not a racist book... just the opposite, in fact...the way the race problem is talked about is bound to make folks uncomfortable. So... brace yourself. It will sound odd to your ears... but not to mine. I lived through those times.
Not a book for kids. Young adults, I suppose it's OK, but if my father saw this book he would say it is for adults only.
February 25, 2018
Good story with a pleasing background
I am not a big fan of detective novels, but I read Harry Kemelman's SATURDAY THE RABBI WENT HUNGRY with pleasure because in addition to a mystery/murder plot (which, OK, may not have been the trickiest I ever read)he surrounded the story with a lot of Jewish lore, cultural details of a synagogue's inner workings, and--for me--familiar local detail. It certainly helps to be from Marblehead when you read Kemelman stories because, for the most part, that is where they are set. Like any good author or cinematographer, Kemelman presents his characters and the locale as a pastiche of several individuals and locations, but as he lived in this town for close to 50 years, Marblehead is undoubtedly the fount of most of his inspiration; the source of his observations of human life in a small Yankee town suddenly settled by a considerable Jewish population.
The story moves along very well with asides to explain various Jewish traditions and customs. This may have been geared to a different time and generation, when the Jewish religion was still strange and foreign to many Americans on the East Coast. Certainly Kemelman's characters like to use phrases like "you people" and "your Yom Kippur", phrases that I have not heard in many, many years. Times have changed. But this story still stands as a monument to its times, to that period when New England Christians and Jews were still getting to know one another. If you know or want to know a New England town with its various characters, pressures, and patterns, if you want to read an enjoyable story with a Jewish background, then be sure to read this book.
I am not a big fan of detective novels, but I read Harry Kemelman's SATURDAY THE RABBI WENT HUNGRY with pleasure because in addition to a mystery/murder plot (which, OK, may not have been the trickiest I ever read)he surrounded the story with a lot of Jewish lore, cultural details of a synagogue's inner workings, and--for me--familiar local detail. It certainly helps to be from Marblehead when you read Kemelman stories because, for the most part, that is where they are set. Like any good author or cinematographer, Kemelman presents his characters and the locale as a pastiche of several individuals and locations, but as he lived in this town for close to 50 years, Marblehead is undoubtedly the fount of most of his inspiration; the source of his observations of human life in a small Yankee town suddenly settled by a considerable Jewish population.
The story moves along very well with asides to explain various Jewish traditions and customs. This may have been geared to a different time and generation, when the Jewish religion was still strange and foreign to many Americans on the East Coast. Certainly Kemelman's characters like to use phrases like "you people" and "your Yom Kippur", phrases that I have not heard in many, many years. Times have changed. But this story still stands as a monument to its times, to that period when New England Christians and Jews were still getting to know one another. If you know or want to know a New England town with its various characters, pressures, and patterns, if you want to read an enjoyable story with a Jewish background, then be sure to read this book.
June 23, 2015
Was it suicide?? and should the Rabbi have buried him in the Jewish cemetery?? are the key questions in this mystery.
I like Rabbi Small and his reluctant but intellectual style. Thank goodness he has such a practical wife.
This series is turning out to be very good, the formula stays the same but the theology is new and keeps it interesting.
I like Rabbi Small and his reluctant but intellectual style. Thank goodness he has such a practical wife.
This series is turning out to be very good, the formula stays the same but the theology is new and keeps it interesting.
February 22, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this "old" series, and had hoped to use it as lighter fare between weightier reads (or as a $1.99 Kindle read whilst also reading a "real" book). I was fascinated by some of the insights into the practice of the Jewish faith, and liked the sort of socially inept Rabbi Small. In fact, it had the same sort of tone and charm that Jan Karon's Mitford series, with a side of murder.
This one, however, felt so much more heavy-handed, with several pop-up plot developments that seemed to be there only so Kemelman could give his Rabbi Small the opportunity to hold forth on Talmudic law. Frankly, it became tiresome.
Reading books that were written in the mid 20th century is fascinating, though, because they can remind us how far we have come, both in technology and in our history. Part of the subplot here, which made very little sense, involved an Episcopal cleric who traveled to Birmingham, Alabama in support of the civil rights movement. He was a darkhorse suspect in the murder, but I feel quite certain it was just the author's way to write about an ongoing relevant social issue.... and it was jarring.
I'm not sure that I'll continue with the series, based on this one.
This one, however, felt so much more heavy-handed, with several pop-up plot developments that seemed to be there only so Kemelman could give his Rabbi Small the opportunity to hold forth on Talmudic law. Frankly, it became tiresome.
Reading books that were written in the mid 20th century is fascinating, though, because they can remind us how far we have come, both in technology and in our history. Part of the subplot here, which made very little sense, involved an Episcopal cleric who traveled to Birmingham, Alabama in support of the civil rights movement. He was a darkhorse suspect in the murder, but I feel quite certain it was just the author's way to write about an ongoing relevant social issue.... and it was jarring.
I'm not sure that I'll continue with the series, based on this one.
July 22, 2025
Set in Barnard's Crossing, MA. 270 pp. I really enjoy David Small's way of interacting with his congregation and the rest of the characters in the book. These are very low-intesity mysteries; it barely feels like there is an actual investigation going on. Instead, the focus is on character interactions. I'm definitely continuing the series!
Also used audiobook. I really enjoyed the narrator.
Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry (The Rabbi Small Mysteries, #2) by Harry Kemelman
Also used audiobook. I really enjoyed the narrator.
Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry (The Rabbi Small Mysteries, #2) by Harry Kemelman
January 13, 2018
This is the 2nd Rabbi Small mystery and it is just as much fun as the 1st. I guess you could consider it a cozy mystery? Nothing really awful seems to happen in them, well, except for the dead person, but they don’t seem especially gruesome. Also, I love the lessons about Judaism. And I love Rabbi Small and his wife, Miriam.
September 1, 2019
Rabbi Small doesn’t set out to be a master detective. He’s just an average guy with a pregnant wife and an honest tongue that gets him in trouble with the powerful people in his congregation. An architect with an edifice complex wants to build a new building for the synagogue — and he’s the president. The rabbi tells him they don’t need the new building. The father of the rich guy in the congregation won’t take his medicine, because it’s a fast day. The rabbi threatens to refuse to bury him in the cemetery because he’d be a suicide.
All this plain speaking, and the death of a drunk leads the rabbi into a fight with his political enemies, and thrusts him into a murder investigation. Solving this case may be the only way the rabbi keeps his job. Can he manage it?
Well, this one has an unusually well worked plot and setting. Saying more is unfair.
All this plain speaking, and the death of a drunk leads the rabbi into a fight with his political enemies, and thrusts him into a murder investigation. Solving this case may be the only way the rabbi keeps his job. Can he manage it?
Well, this one has an unusually well worked plot and setting. Saying more is unfair.
May 13, 2020
As a primer in Judaism, it works well. Those instructional passages, which comprise much of the book, are interesting. As a mystery, it’s weak, almost non-existent. The rabbi is a very likable, analytical guy who is focused on his mission as a teacher; but he doesn’t make for a very compelling detective.
March 17, 2024
Do enjoy this series. Not much peril, but quite a bit of wordy debate. Lovely 😁
July 22, 2025
I love this series. The politics, the murders, the rabbi. Simpler times!
October 3, 2025
Somebody is murdered. Nobody cares too much. Everybody is too concerned about improvements to the temple. The murder is solved mostly as an afterthought. The whole thing is very self righteous.
September 8, 2020
The protagonist of this story is Rabbi Small, a youthful figure at the beginning of his career. A Jewish man is found dead in his car which causes some controversy at the synagogue when his non-Jewish wife wants him buried in their cemetery. This is a very insightful book which delves into aspects of the Jewish faith. The mystery is less a focus than the internal politics that Rabbi Small is dealing with.
Readers should be aware that some language and attitudes are reflective of the time period this book was written in.
Readers should be aware that some language and attitudes are reflective of the time period this book was written in.
April 15, 2019
This is really dated (mid-to-late 60's), but overlooking the racism and sexism and all the other ism's I'm enjoying the series immensely. It's like a history lesson, intro to Judaism (for me), and cozy mystery all-in-one. David Small is such an endearing character...
September 24, 2022
Saturday the rabbi defended racial segregation
October 7, 2014
A man is found dead drunk in his garage--make that just plain dead. Was it an accident, suicide, or murder? Who would want a harmless mathematician dead, and that on Yom Kippour, the Day of Atonement? Did the corpse have a skeleton in his closet, or was his shiksa wife just hoping to cash in?
Much better than the first volume of the Rabbi Small series, Kemelman begins to hit his stride in this instalment. Good red herrings abound (I always did love rollmops) and the blending of Jewish philosophy and crime is much better, though we are still treated to the detective fiction meme that the local police are total bumblers who need help at every step of the way or it all goes terribly wrong. However, this time the rabbi does less sleuthing on his own and more realistically deals with the thought-processes that can help the law find its way in the maze of motives, possible suspects, and false clues.
The sixties make themselves felt in references to the Civil Rights protests down South, and again we see women who know how to drive, but don't--some of whom have not renewed their licences because--apparently--at that time in that place, driving the car is the husband's job. The days of two-car households were still in the future.
Temple politics still play a large part in the subplot; should a hideous extension be built onto the synagogue to keep the wealthier members of the congregation happy, or should Rabbi Small resign in protest? One of the things that caught my attention in this thread is that the rabbi sees himself as a defender of Jewish tradition, not of any spiritual values; the services, prayers etc are conducted to support the living and the memory of the dead--not one word about living their beliefs for the glory of God. The prayers are recited, but not with a view to establishing or maintaining a relationship with the God they purport to, well, if not worship at least respect. Curious; the Old Testament prophets and writers certainly would disagree with this lukewarm attitude. Perhaps that's what Isaiah meant in 29:13.
Much better than the first volume of the Rabbi Small series, Kemelman begins to hit his stride in this instalment. Good red herrings abound (I always did love rollmops) and the blending of Jewish philosophy and crime is much better, though we are still treated to the detective fiction meme that the local police are total bumblers who need help at every step of the way or it all goes terribly wrong. However, this time the rabbi does less sleuthing on his own and more realistically deals with the thought-processes that can help the law find its way in the maze of motives, possible suspects, and false clues.
The sixties make themselves felt in references to the Civil Rights protests down South, and again we see women who know how to drive, but don't--some of whom have not renewed their licences because--apparently--at that time in that place, driving the car is the husband's job. The days of two-car households were still in the future.
Temple politics still play a large part in the subplot; should a hideous extension be built onto the synagogue to keep the wealthier members of the congregation happy, or should Rabbi Small resign in protest? One of the things that caught my attention in this thread is that the rabbi sees himself as a defender of Jewish tradition, not of any spiritual values; the services, prayers etc are conducted to support the living and the memory of the dead--not one word about living their beliefs for the glory of God. The prayers are recited, but not with a view to establishing or maintaining a relationship with the God they purport to, well, if not worship at least respect. Curious; the Old Testament prophets and writers certainly would disagree with this lukewarm attitude. Perhaps that's what Isaiah meant in 29:13.
February 25, 2023
In 1993, I enrolled in a Detective Fiction Class while in college. I joined the class, just so I could finally read some Sherlock Holmes for college credit; I stayed in the class because I discovered I LOVED reading mysteries.
The first Rabbi Small mystery - Friday, the Rabbi Slept Late - was one of the assigned books. I did enjoy the book - had a very early 1970's feel to it, and it was considered to be a soft-boil/ cozy mystery (much like some of the other books we had read so far - Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Nero Wolfe).
But what was more fascinating was the various Jewish / Hebrew aspects of the book.
Confession Time - I am an atheist. I was baptized Angelican as a baby, but wasnt raised in any true faith. Dad was a lapsed Baptist, who, after his stroke, started going back to church, but gave up after our house flooded and no one from his church groups came to check on him. Mom was an Anglican, but in Texas in the 70s/ 80s, there wasnt any Anglican church. Plus, she lost her faith in a higher power, given all the disasters she went through. And I - well, I went to a Southern Fundamental Baptist VBS one summer, when I Was 7. I was told that if I believed in God, I was to bring my friends to church with me that week, and get baptized that sunday, or else I was to be sodomized and torn apart by demons and devils when the Rapture occurs. "And that baptism you got as a baby - that doesnt count. Only OUR baptism is the one that SAVES you" (Talk about grooming and brainwashing. I would end up going to that church a few more times - it was the one used by a family friend - and I asked "when do they bring the snakes out" and was told to hush ,and eventually, to leave). I would also end up going to a less fundemental Baptist church, where they would end up giving me 2nd degree grease burn while cooking breakfast for us in the sunday school; an Episcopal church, where I got to help in the baby & toddler room; a Catholic Church, where I got my head covered in ashes and was denied the "juice and cookies" they handed out when you went to the alter (I was 4 and it was communion - but all I saw was snack time, and the priest denying me a snack); and a community church, where I was confused by the standing, sitting, kneeling things.
But NEVER a place of worship for the Jewish Faith. (The closest I got to knowing about the Jewish faith was the slightly racists and off-colour things my grandfather would say about them).
So, this book was an eye opener for me. But, I enjoyed the book.
2 years later, I would read a 2nd Rabbi Small book - this one was "Conversions with Rabbi Small". During the course of the book, I learned much more about the Jewish Faith - the roots of it, the customs and taboos, the practices of the faith. I would regale my family with what I read ("two different types of food can not be on the same plate. Meat and Cheese, for one. And no pork products - so, definitely, no bacon cheeseburgers!"). But again, this was all my exposure to the Jewish Faith I had ever had.
A few months later, I was sent to a Synagogue, to help in the children's room. (At this time in my life, I was working for a childcare agency, which sent temporary/ part time people to help out in church sunday schools and other church events). I was excited to go - this was the first time ANYONE in my family had ever gone to a Synagogue, so I wasnt sure what to expect. During the course of the night, I worked with some fun kids, who asked me all kinds of questions, since I wasnt Jewish; the parents also did the same with me. I enjoyed the food they had put out for me brisket, fish, and other things, and I even was asked, by several mothers, for my telephone number "for future baby sitting jobs. Or maybe to find you a nice Jewish girl..." LOL.
When I got home, Mom was in Full CIA Interrogation Mode - "What was it like. What did the building look like? Was it dirty? What were the people wearing? What happened during the services? Did they take their shoes off? Were you blindfolded? Hidden in a room? Oh you had dinner - what was the food? How did it taste? What was missing? Did anyone sound like The Nanny? Seinfeld?"
For Mom, I was Columbus, discovering the new world and come back to tell my Queen everything about the strange lands. She had been raised where the Jewish were a different class of people, and she only saw them across the counter at the delis of Montreal. So, for her SON to go to a synagogue was a new experience.
But, during this visit, I was glad I read the 2nd book - It helped me avoid potential faux pas and mistakes that would have insulted the hosts. However, that was the last time I read a Rabbi Small book.
_ _ _ _ _
Flash forward to 2023 - the 30th anniversary of taking the class. As part of this anniversary, I had added a book from the original syllabus to my TBR pile for this year. A re-read of the Hound of the Baskervilles; the first Hercule Poirot book; the next book in the Nero Wolfe series (this is one series I have read a few books over the year), and now, the 2nd book in the Rabbi Small series.
This book.
Once again, I was reminded of the feel of the 1970s when reading the book. Walking around streets in the evening - almost like out of Leave it to Beaver. Police officers who walk the beat. Families who leave their doors unlocked and the garage door open, not worried about break ins or stealing. And the {spoiler} a person stays in a hospital. And part of the crime scene investigation procedures. (AKA- Per- CSI EVERYTHING)
But at the same time, death is death, murder is murder, and faith is faith. Little changes - people are killed, crimes are investigated, and amateur detectives still managed to solve the crimes that other people fail to solve. And questions of the Jewish practices are debated and a final decision is made.
I was a bit surprised by the ending - who was arrested wasnt who I picked as the killer. And the last chapter wasnt about the mystery, but did answer some questions that the B-story. (Yeah, I'm being vague. Want to know more - go get the book!).
Will I read another Rabbi Small book -sure. Maybe I wont wait 30 years to read the "Sunday" book, but I did enjoy it, so many I will had the book back into my yearly TBR pile.
The first Rabbi Small mystery - Friday, the Rabbi Slept Late - was one of the assigned books. I did enjoy the book - had a very early 1970's feel to it, and it was considered to be a soft-boil/ cozy mystery (much like some of the other books we had read so far - Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Nero Wolfe).
But what was more fascinating was the various Jewish / Hebrew aspects of the book.
Confession Time - I am an atheist. I was baptized Angelican as a baby, but wasnt raised in any true faith. Dad was a lapsed Baptist, who, after his stroke, started going back to church, but gave up after our house flooded and no one from his church groups came to check on him. Mom was an Anglican, but in Texas in the 70s/ 80s, there wasnt any Anglican church. Plus, she lost her faith in a higher power, given all the disasters she went through. And I - well, I went to a Southern Fundamental Baptist VBS one summer, when I Was 7. I was told that if I believed in God, I was to bring my friends to church with me that week, and get baptized that sunday, or else I was to be sodomized and torn apart by demons and devils when the Rapture occurs. "And that baptism you got as a baby - that doesnt count. Only OUR baptism is the one that SAVES you" (Talk about grooming and brainwashing. I would end up going to that church a few more times - it was the one used by a family friend - and I asked "when do they bring the snakes out" and was told to hush ,and eventually, to leave). I would also end up going to a less fundemental Baptist church, where they would end up giving me 2nd degree grease burn while cooking breakfast for us in the sunday school; an Episcopal church, where I got to help in the baby & toddler room; a Catholic Church, where I got my head covered in ashes and was denied the "juice and cookies" they handed out when you went to the alter (I was 4 and it was communion - but all I saw was snack time, and the priest denying me a snack); and a community church, where I was confused by the standing, sitting, kneeling things.
But NEVER a place of worship for the Jewish Faith. (The closest I got to knowing about the Jewish faith was the slightly racists and off-colour things my grandfather would say about them).
So, this book was an eye opener for me. But, I enjoyed the book.
2 years later, I would read a 2nd Rabbi Small book - this one was "Conversions with Rabbi Small". During the course of the book, I learned much more about the Jewish Faith - the roots of it, the customs and taboos, the practices of the faith. I would regale my family with what I read ("two different types of food can not be on the same plate. Meat and Cheese, for one. And no pork products - so, definitely, no bacon cheeseburgers!"). But again, this was all my exposure to the Jewish Faith I had ever had.
A few months later, I was sent to a Synagogue, to help in the children's room. (At this time in my life, I was working for a childcare agency, which sent temporary/ part time people to help out in church sunday schools and other church events). I was excited to go - this was the first time ANYONE in my family had ever gone to a Synagogue, so I wasnt sure what to expect. During the course of the night, I worked with some fun kids, who asked me all kinds of questions, since I wasnt Jewish; the parents also did the same with me. I enjoyed the food they had put out for me brisket, fish, and other things, and I even was asked, by several mothers, for my telephone number "for future baby sitting jobs. Or maybe to find you a nice Jewish girl..." LOL.
When I got home, Mom was in Full CIA Interrogation Mode - "What was it like. What did the building look like? Was it dirty? What were the people wearing? What happened during the services? Did they take their shoes off? Were you blindfolded? Hidden in a room? Oh you had dinner - what was the food? How did it taste? What was missing? Did anyone sound like The Nanny? Seinfeld?"
For Mom, I was Columbus, discovering the new world and come back to tell my Queen everything about the strange lands. She had been raised where the Jewish were a different class of people, and she only saw them across the counter at the delis of Montreal. So, for her SON to go to a synagogue was a new experience.
But, during this visit, I was glad I read the 2nd book - It helped me avoid potential faux pas and mistakes that would have insulted the hosts. However, that was the last time I read a Rabbi Small book.
_ _ _ _ _
Flash forward to 2023 - the 30th anniversary of taking the class. As part of this anniversary, I had added a book from the original syllabus to my TBR pile for this year. A re-read of the Hound of the Baskervilles; the first Hercule Poirot book; the next book in the Nero Wolfe series (this is one series I have read a few books over the year), and now, the 2nd book in the Rabbi Small series.
This book.
Once again, I was reminded of the feel of the 1970s when reading the book. Walking around streets in the evening - almost like out of Leave it to Beaver. Police officers who walk the beat. Families who leave their doors unlocked and the garage door open, not worried about break ins or stealing. And the {spoiler} a person stays in a hospital. And part of the crime scene investigation procedures. (AKA- Per- CSI EVERYTHING)
But at the same time, death is death, murder is murder, and faith is faith. Little changes - people are killed, crimes are investigated, and amateur detectives still managed to solve the crimes that other people fail to solve. And questions of the Jewish practices are debated and a final decision is made.
I was a bit surprised by the ending - who was arrested wasnt who I picked as the killer. And the last chapter wasnt about the mystery, but did answer some questions that the B-story. (Yeah, I'm being vague. Want to know more - go get the book!).
Will I read another Rabbi Small book -sure. Maybe I wont wait 30 years to read the "Sunday" book, but I did enjoy it, so many I will had the book back into my yearly TBR pile.
December 7, 2020
This is the second book in the Rabbi David Small murder mystery series. (Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, is book 1). This is almost a run of the mill whodunnit series, along the lines of the Miss Silver tales, but the lovely difference (& one that add so much depth and character to the tales), is that it’s set in a Jewish community in America, so there are the various cultural elements, traditions and characters surrounding Jews and Judaism that we just don’t know about. (We learn the difference between the two in this story). Judaism is far more complex and structured than Christianity - full of rituals and laws.
It’s the Jewish Talmud books of the Law that Rabbi Small works through to guide the solution to the crimes. What I particularly enjoy with these novels is that, whilst the Rabbi works out whodunnit, he never does the denouement. He always discusses the case with the Chief of Police and leaves the policing to them.
I like that he is very low key, misunderstood by most of his congregation, yet still human enough to be stubborn, annoyed and reticent in some instances, humble and scholarly(& therefore quite forthright) in others!
I’m really enjoying this series. The narrator is just perfect!
It’s the Jewish Talmud books of the Law that Rabbi Small works through to guide the solution to the crimes. What I particularly enjoy with these novels is that, whilst the Rabbi works out whodunnit, he never does the denouement. He always discusses the case with the Chief of Police and leaves the policing to them.
I like that he is very low key, misunderstood by most of his congregation, yet still human enough to be stubborn, annoyed and reticent in some instances, humble and scholarly(& therefore quite forthright) in others!
I’m really enjoying this series. The narrator is just perfect!
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