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The Rabbi Small Mysteries #1-4
Four Rabbi Small Mysteries: Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry, Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home, and Monday the Rabbi Took Off
A collection of four novels from the New York Times–bestselling, Edgar Award–winning mystery series starring a rabbi in a tiny New England town. Spend a long weekend with the scholar and spiritual leader who watches over the Jewish community in 1960s Barnard’s Crossing, Massachusetts—and in his spare time, solves crimes. Friday the Rabbi Slept A young nanny is found dead in the temple parking lot—and her purse is discovered in Rabbi David Small’s car. Now he has to collaborate with the local Irish-Catholic police chief to exonerate himself. Saturday the Rabbi Went Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, is defiled when a body is found—and the rabbi must uncover who has something to atone for. Sunday the Rabbi Stayed When Passover is overshadowed by congregational politics and a murder at a local university, the rabbi must study the clues. Monday the Rabbi Took Rabbi Small journeys to Israel for a bit of peace, but instead has to team up with an Orthodox cop to unravel a bombing case. Don’t miss these four mystery novels featuring an amateur detective who uses Talmudic logic—an introduction to the multimillion-selling series that provides both “an eye-opening snapshot of a particular time in Jewish-American history” and delightfully entertaining whodunits (Los Angeles Review of Books).
1089 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1972
478 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Harry Kemelman
64 books148 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 34 reviews
November 16, 2016
New York Times bestselling author Harry Kemelman's "Four Rabbi Small Mysteries" (Open Road 2016) is four connected novelettes featuring hyper-moral, highly-religious Rabbi David Small and his community of worshippers. As the author says:
...a rabbi is one who is learned in the law and whose basic function is to sit as a judge in cases brought before him, it seemed to me that he was the ideal character to act as an amateur detective by searching out the truth.
Rabbi Small is a Talmudic scholar from the 1950's. He loves to read his holy book and researches everything related to it. His shoulders are stooped even at his young age from constantly bending over the books he loves. When he is hired to serve a growing Jewish community, he takes it upon himself to do so authentically rather than as a figurehead that many religious communities might consider more normal.
"In the old days, in the ghettos of Europe, the rabbi was hired not by the synagogue but by the town. And he was hired not to lead prayers or to supervise the synagogue, but to sit in judgment on cases that were brought to him, and to pass on questions of law.”
Rabbi Small resolves family issues, answers non-religious questions, and addresses the lives of his congregants by applying Talmudic scripture. As he says:
"I’m sure the Talmud doesn’t deal with automobile cases.” “The Talmud deals with everything,” said the rabbi flatly.
When there's a murder in his congregation, he thinks nothing of using his knowledge of the Talmud (as well as his native logic and common sense) to address issues of guilt that ultimately lead to the murderer and saves the reputation of an innocent man. This cements a budding friendship with the local police chief, Hugh Lanigan. The details of Jewish life, rights, and habits in the 1950s are often shared with readers through discussions between Rabbi Small and Chief Lanigan:
“But apart from that, the philosophical basis for our disapproval of suicide is somewhat different from yours, and that in itself permits greater flexibility.”
"In our religion, emergencies always supersede ritual.”
"...how does the good man who suffers get recompense and the evil man who prospers get punished? The Eastern religions explain it by reincarnation. The wicked man who is prosperous merited his prosperity by his virtue in a previous reincarnation and his wickedness will be punished in his next reincarnation. The Christian church answers the question by offering Heaven and Hell.” He [Rabbi Small] appeared to consider, and then he nodded his head briskly. “They’re both good solutions, if you can believe them. We can’t. Our view is given in the Book of Job, which is why it is included in the Bible. Job is made to suffer undeservedly, but there is no suggestion that he will be recompensed in the next life. The suffering of the virtuous is one of the penalties of living. The fire burns the good man just as severely and painfully as it does the wicked.”
I've always been fascinated by religious culture--this fiction-based-in-fact is an easy way to learn:
Snatches of conversation reached him: talk about business, about family and children, about vacation plans, about the chances of the Red Sox. It was hardly the proper conversation for men waiting to pray, he thought, and then immediately rebuked himself. Was it not also a sin to be too devout? Was not man expected to enjoy the good things
Overall this is a delightful if somewhat meandering journey through the clever mind of a reluctant religious leader. The mysteries are cozy, the plotting clever, and the main characters exactly who you'd want to hang out with. If you enjoyed The Grantchester Mysteries--the adventures of vicar Sydney Chambers--you'll enjoy this.
...a rabbi is one who is learned in the law and whose basic function is to sit as a judge in cases brought before him, it seemed to me that he was the ideal character to act as an amateur detective by searching out the truth.
Rabbi Small is a Talmudic scholar from the 1950's. He loves to read his holy book and researches everything related to it. His shoulders are stooped even at his young age from constantly bending over the books he loves. When he is hired to serve a growing Jewish community, he takes it upon himself to do so authentically rather than as a figurehead that many religious communities might consider more normal.
"In the old days, in the ghettos of Europe, the rabbi was hired not by the synagogue but by the town. And he was hired not to lead prayers or to supervise the synagogue, but to sit in judgment on cases that were brought to him, and to pass on questions of law.”
Rabbi Small resolves family issues, answers non-religious questions, and addresses the lives of his congregants by applying Talmudic scripture. As he says:
"I’m sure the Talmud doesn’t deal with automobile cases.” “The Talmud deals with everything,” said the rabbi flatly.
When there's a murder in his congregation, he thinks nothing of using his knowledge of the Talmud (as well as his native logic and common sense) to address issues of guilt that ultimately lead to the murderer and saves the reputation of an innocent man. This cements a budding friendship with the local police chief, Hugh Lanigan. The details of Jewish life, rights, and habits in the 1950s are often shared with readers through discussions between Rabbi Small and Chief Lanigan:
“But apart from that, the philosophical basis for our disapproval of suicide is somewhat different from yours, and that in itself permits greater flexibility.”
"In our religion, emergencies always supersede ritual.”
"...how does the good man who suffers get recompense and the evil man who prospers get punished? The Eastern religions explain it by reincarnation. The wicked man who is prosperous merited his prosperity by his virtue in a previous reincarnation and his wickedness will be punished in his next reincarnation. The Christian church answers the question by offering Heaven and Hell.” He [Rabbi Small] appeared to consider, and then he nodded his head briskly. “They’re both good solutions, if you can believe them. We can’t. Our view is given in the Book of Job, which is why it is included in the Bible. Job is made to suffer undeservedly, but there is no suggestion that he will be recompensed in the next life. The suffering of the virtuous is one of the penalties of living. The fire burns the good man just as severely and painfully as it does the wicked.”
I've always been fascinated by religious culture--this fiction-based-in-fact is an easy way to learn:
Snatches of conversation reached him: talk about business, about family and children, about vacation plans, about the chances of the Red Sox. It was hardly the proper conversation for men waiting to pray, he thought, and then immediately rebuked himself. Was it not also a sin to be too devout? Was not man expected to enjoy the good things
Overall this is a delightful if somewhat meandering journey through the clever mind of a reluctant religious leader. The mysteries are cozy, the plotting clever, and the main characters exactly who you'd want to hang out with. If you enjoyed The Grantchester Mysteries--the adventures of vicar Sydney Chambers--you'll enjoy this.
June 8, 2019
4.5* - Friday the Rabbi Slept Late
4* - Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry
3.5* - Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home
4* - Monday the Rabbi Took Off
4* - Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry
3.5* - Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home
4* - Monday the Rabbi Took Off
November 23, 2018
I picked this set of 4 up in part because I was curious to know how well they stood the test of time. I was surprised at how well they did. The first three were straight up mysteries, all set in the fictional New England town of Barnard’s Crossing. The fourth was markedly different, reading more like a thriller novel and set mainly in Israel. In the first three, the actual murder mystery vied for your attention with the politics/narrator insight into the demographics and theology of Jewish American society. These two main elements are given equal weight, and both provide dramatic tension that propels the story forward. Again, the fourth novel broke the mold, and the mystery seemed very slapdash and Rabbi Small’s contribution to the solving of said mystery seemed wholly unconvincing and actually preposterous. In this fourth book, the thin mystery story was really a pretext to examine Israeli society and the American Jewish perspective on it.
In the first 3, I found Rabbi Small’s insight on the crime committed to be compelling, demonstrating the insightful analysis that traditional Jewish theological study can bring to bear on diverse situations. This aspect is absent from book 4, and it’s a shame, because he’s a riveting character and a remarkable ambassador for a way of thinking that is sadly not accessible for many, including many American Jews. His insight is a delight, especially applied to unusual circumstances such as a murder.
That said, all four books seem remarkably germane, even though the series was begun over 50 years ago. Congregants of Conservative shuls are if anything even more ignorant of our theological underpinnings than they were then, a fact that likely would surprise Reform congregants, but is nonetheless true. The politics, both well and ill-intentioned, are just as fraught. The position of the Conservative rabbi and the discrepancy of expectation on observance compared to congregants remains unchanged. The embarrassment of congregants aware of their own ignorance is a painful and destructive force now just as it was then. Even the insight on Israeli society has many aspects that ring true all these years later.
Overall I especially enjoyed the first three books, and found the last one a bit of a slog. This was mostly due to the lack of effort put into the mystery aspect of that book which deprived it of a major source of forward momentum. I do understand why Kemelman chose to switch things up a bit - it’s dangerous to get too formulaic, and after 3 books built on the same premise he really did need to break out of the box. Unfortunately the new approach was not as successful as the tried and true. The 4th is worth reading though as a layman’s touchpoint on the American/Israeli relationship... how it’s changed over the intervening years and the remarkable ways in which it hasn’t.
At some point I may go on to read the rest of the series, if only to see how Kemelman fares in keeping his writing fresh. Kemelman succeeded in forging a remarkable main character. I genuinely hope Rabbi Small is deployed more effectively going forward for his own sake. He deserves it.
In the first 3, I found Rabbi Small’s insight on the crime committed to be compelling, demonstrating the insightful analysis that traditional Jewish theological study can bring to bear on diverse situations. This aspect is absent from book 4, and it’s a shame, because he’s a riveting character and a remarkable ambassador for a way of thinking that is sadly not accessible for many, including many American Jews. His insight is a delight, especially applied to unusual circumstances such as a murder.
That said, all four books seem remarkably germane, even though the series was begun over 50 years ago. Congregants of Conservative shuls are if anything even more ignorant of our theological underpinnings than they were then, a fact that likely would surprise Reform congregants, but is nonetheless true. The politics, both well and ill-intentioned, are just as fraught. The position of the Conservative rabbi and the discrepancy of expectation on observance compared to congregants remains unchanged. The embarrassment of congregants aware of their own ignorance is a painful and destructive force now just as it was then. Even the insight on Israeli society has many aspects that ring true all these years later.
Overall I especially enjoyed the first three books, and found the last one a bit of a slog. This was mostly due to the lack of effort put into the mystery aspect of that book which deprived it of a major source of forward momentum. I do understand why Kemelman chose to switch things up a bit - it’s dangerous to get too formulaic, and after 3 books built on the same premise he really did need to break out of the box. Unfortunately the new approach was not as successful as the tried and true. The 4th is worth reading though as a layman’s touchpoint on the American/Israeli relationship... how it’s changed over the intervening years and the remarkable ways in which it hasn’t.
At some point I may go on to read the rest of the series, if only to see how Kemelman fares in keeping his writing fresh. Kemelman succeeded in forging a remarkable main character. I genuinely hope Rabbi Small is deployed more effectively going forward for his own sake. He deserves it.
January 29, 2020
I am not a fan of mystery books. My main focus is on science fiction and non-fiction books. But when four of the Rabbi Small Mysteries were offered on a cheap Kindle deal, I decided to take a chance.
I am an atheist who is culturally Jewish so reading the Rabbi books was a bit like comfort food; not necessary the most delicious or good for you but something that takes you to a place where you feel good. Reading these books I “knew” all of the characters - the devout, the “twice a year Jews”, and the board presidents who battle for control with the Rabbi. Whether you were dragged to temple by your parents when you were young or if you are someone who goes to services every week, you will enjoy the “cultural comfort” of these books.
If you know nothing of Judaism, these books are a kind of “behind the scenes” peek at how it all works. Whereas many religions are built on faith, Judaism is built on laws and, just like secular laws, they are subject to argument and interpretation. In fact, the old testament is full of examples of Jews even arguing with god - something unheard of with most other religions. While these books are all murder mysteries, in the background Harry Kemelman gives you a crash course on Judaism.
Another interesting thing about this series is that it starts in 1964, with the final book being published in 1996. In these first four books (1964 - 1972), Kemelman brings issues and events of the times into the story lines. So, in addition to the murder investigations, you also get a bit history and his social commentary on it.
Although I have already confessed that I have read few murder mysteries, I have watched quite a number of detective shows - from Columbo to Poirot to Father Brown. I have found that there is a sub-genre of murder mysteries where the detective has an outward appearance of weakness or bumbling but, underneath is brilliant and insightful. The Rabbi in these books doesn’t stubble with investigations or hide his intelligence but his naiveté in dealing with his board, his congregation, and his wife push the series very close to this genre.
Kemelman is definitely a good writer. First and foremost, his characters and his story lines are engaging and enjoyable. As I’ve already mentioned, he spices things up by interspersing his own commentary on Judaism and society. His attention to detail and his research comes through most clearly when Rabbi Small launches into stories and interpretations of the Talmud (books which contain 517 chapters on Jewish law).
I really enjoyed these four books. I don’t think reading murder mysteries is going to be my new passion but I plan on reading more in this series. As I’ve said, they bring back some fond, and not so fond, childhood memories. For those of you without a Jewish background, I think that you will enjoy not only the mysteries but also the introduction to Jewish law and Jewish culture. As the saying goes, “try it, you’ll like it.”
I am an atheist who is culturally Jewish so reading the Rabbi books was a bit like comfort food; not necessary the most delicious or good for you but something that takes you to a place where you feel good. Reading these books I “knew” all of the characters - the devout, the “twice a year Jews”, and the board presidents who battle for control with the Rabbi. Whether you were dragged to temple by your parents when you were young or if you are someone who goes to services every week, you will enjoy the “cultural comfort” of these books.
If you know nothing of Judaism, these books are a kind of “behind the scenes” peek at how it all works. Whereas many religions are built on faith, Judaism is built on laws and, just like secular laws, they are subject to argument and interpretation. In fact, the old testament is full of examples of Jews even arguing with god - something unheard of with most other religions. While these books are all murder mysteries, in the background Harry Kemelman gives you a crash course on Judaism.
Another interesting thing about this series is that it starts in 1964, with the final book being published in 1996. In these first four books (1964 - 1972), Kemelman brings issues and events of the times into the story lines. So, in addition to the murder investigations, you also get a bit history and his social commentary on it.
Although I have already confessed that I have read few murder mysteries, I have watched quite a number of detective shows - from Columbo to Poirot to Father Brown. I have found that there is a sub-genre of murder mysteries where the detective has an outward appearance of weakness or bumbling but, underneath is brilliant and insightful. The Rabbi in these books doesn’t stubble with investigations or hide his intelligence but his naiveté in dealing with his board, his congregation, and his wife push the series very close to this genre.
Kemelman is definitely a good writer. First and foremost, his characters and his story lines are engaging and enjoyable. As I’ve already mentioned, he spices things up by interspersing his own commentary on Judaism and society. His attention to detail and his research comes through most clearly when Rabbi Small launches into stories and interpretations of the Talmud (books which contain 517 chapters on Jewish law).
I really enjoyed these four books. I don’t think reading murder mysteries is going to be my new passion but I plan on reading more in this series. As I’ve said, they bring back some fond, and not so fond, childhood memories. For those of you without a Jewish background, I think that you will enjoy not only the mysteries but also the introduction to Jewish law and Jewish culture. As the saying goes, “try it, you’ll like it.”
May 22, 2018
I don’t often give five star reviews but I did in this case because I really got involved in the characters. These books really show humanity at its best and worst. I thoroughly enjoyed Listening to Rabbi Small (I read these books but I could hear the rabbis voice as they read them). I also think I enjoyed these because they were written at a time or reflected a time that appeared to be a little bit more innocent. The books contain some very interesting take on life and humanity. In fact the murders involved took up much less space than the thinking process of the rabbi through in countering situations in the congregation. I would actually recommend this books for young readers because of their broad scope and commentary on humanity and religion.
August 25, 2019
This is an excellent collection of mysteries and quite the introduction to the Rabbi Small novels.
Friday the Rabbi Slept Late: Written in 1964, the book won the 1965 Edgar Award for first novel. Reading it, I can see why. It is a gentle mystery that isn't quite a cozy mystery. It blurs the line between solving the mystery with straight logic and a mystery with a warm, fuzzy character. While Rabbi Small is fuzzy about some things, there is nothing fuzzy about his intellect or understanding of the Jewish religion.
This classic-style mystery plays fair with the reader. All the clues are there; the rabbi simply assembles them first. I love that sort of mystery, so I will be reading more.
While I had read some books in this series long ago in my early teens, this wasn't one of them. However, I loved it as much as I remember loving the other books.
++
Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry: This is the second of the Rabbi Small mysteries and Rabbi Small is still new to the congregation. His wife is carrying their first child during Yom Kippur. There is much to learn about some of the religious customs that surround that time. however, there is also another death in the community. The question is was it suicide, an accident, or something worse.
Of course, Rabbi Small ends up in the thick of things. The dead person was a non-observant Jew, but his wife wants him buried in the Jewish cemetery; a suicide would not be allowed to be buried within it. Rabbi Small's decision raises all sorts of questions.
I have to admit, I didn't suspect the end; I had my eyes on the red herring. The author played totally fair, though.
++
Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home: This mystery is a product of its time and does show its age. However, if you are willing to step back in time, then it is a good mystery with a few red herrings. I admit that those pulled me off track sometimes.
One of the things I like about this series is that the murders don't happen so fast that you wonder how the town remains populated. It has been a few years since we last visited with the rabbi; he's in his sixth year in the town. Suspicion in the murder of a young man falls upon some of the younger members of the congregation, so the rabbi gets involved. Add in drugs (marijuana, oh, the horror) and civil rights and you get a picture of the society in the late 1960s.
The author again plays fair with the audience and the mystery is solvable with the information the reader gets.
++
Monday the Rabbi Took Off: This time our favorite rabbi is taking a sabbatical in Israel. I totally understood the need to get away from the job and get a fresh look at life so I empathized with the rabbi. The book is a product of its time, so the Israel we read about is early 1970s Israel with the people and ethics of the time.
I enjoyed this quiet mystery and the glimpse into Israeli life of the time. To keep me grounded back in the US, there were the political machinations behind the scene at the synagogue. Will Rabbi Small have a job to return to? Will he want to come back to the scheming board or will he pick back up out of a sense of duty?
The mystery wasn't terribly difficult to solve for me; what mattered were the people in the book as they came to matter to me.
++
Not quite a cozy mystery series, the series is recommended for those who enjoy a cozier traditional mystery or a more traditional cozy mystery.
Friday the Rabbi Slept Late: Written in 1964, the book won the 1965 Edgar Award for first novel. Reading it, I can see why. It is a gentle mystery that isn't quite a cozy mystery. It blurs the line between solving the mystery with straight logic and a mystery with a warm, fuzzy character. While Rabbi Small is fuzzy about some things, there is nothing fuzzy about his intellect or understanding of the Jewish religion.
This classic-style mystery plays fair with the reader. All the clues are there; the rabbi simply assembles them first. I love that sort of mystery, so I will be reading more.
While I had read some books in this series long ago in my early teens, this wasn't one of them. However, I loved it as much as I remember loving the other books.
++
Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry: This is the second of the Rabbi Small mysteries and Rabbi Small is still new to the congregation. His wife is carrying their first child during Yom Kippur. There is much to learn about some of the religious customs that surround that time. however, there is also another death in the community. The question is was it suicide, an accident, or something worse.
Of course, Rabbi Small ends up in the thick of things. The dead person was a non-observant Jew, but his wife wants him buried in the Jewish cemetery; a suicide would not be allowed to be buried within it. Rabbi Small's decision raises all sorts of questions.
I have to admit, I didn't suspect the end; I had my eyes on the red herring. The author played totally fair, though.
++
Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home: This mystery is a product of its time and does show its age. However, if you are willing to step back in time, then it is a good mystery with a few red herrings. I admit that those pulled me off track sometimes.
One of the things I like about this series is that the murders don't happen so fast that you wonder how the town remains populated. It has been a few years since we last visited with the rabbi; he's in his sixth year in the town. Suspicion in the murder of a young man falls upon some of the younger members of the congregation, so the rabbi gets involved. Add in drugs (marijuana, oh, the horror) and civil rights and you get a picture of the society in the late 1960s.
The author again plays fair with the audience and the mystery is solvable with the information the reader gets.
++
Monday the Rabbi Took Off: This time our favorite rabbi is taking a sabbatical in Israel. I totally understood the need to get away from the job and get a fresh look at life so I empathized with the rabbi. The book is a product of its time, so the Israel we read about is early 1970s Israel with the people and ethics of the time.
I enjoyed this quiet mystery and the glimpse into Israeli life of the time. To keep me grounded back in the US, there were the political machinations behind the scene at the synagogue. Will Rabbi Small have a job to return to? Will he want to come back to the scheming board or will he pick back up out of a sense of duty?
The mystery wasn't terribly difficult to solve for me; what mattered were the people in the book as they came to matter to me.
++
Not quite a cozy mystery series, the series is recommended for those who enjoy a cozier traditional mystery or a more traditional cozy mystery.
December 22, 2019
This collection contains four full-length novels: Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry, Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home and Monday the Rabbi Took Off.
The novels are situated in the 1960's in the fictional city Barnard’s Crossing, that has always had a bit of independent streak (like the Police Chief is a Catholic in the Protestant-filled Massachusetts :)), yet people are people everywhere, so the murders happen there, too. Luckily our Rabbi is well-schooled in the practices of Talmudic logic!
What I love about the novels is that they deal with the practical living of Jews in the modern (OK, 60's) times. The insight into the living of Jewish community, their interactions with the non-Jewish world, but more their interactions within their community. The witty observations are often eye-opening and always enriching. Having very little knowledge about the Jewish "lifestyle", I have gained a lot of valuable information.
And the dynamics between the authentic Rabbi, who knows what he professes, believes and lives according to, and the more "worldly", practical and opportunistic businessmen involved with the temple is even better and has much to teach me about even the today's dynamics of practical, economy-driven world, that strongly needs authenticity, too.
As for the mysteries - Rabbi is the Sherlockian type of detectives (Poirot comes to mind, too). Meaning - he resolves the mysteries quickly, using his Talmudic training in logic, without any clues collecting or doing the small detective work (luckily, the Police Chief is both willing to listen to and good-natured enough to see the many benefits of listening to the Rabbi well).
The small town charm, the insights and the wit can also help to hid the literary sins here: of the temple interactions being a bit prolonged and the mysteries being in the shadow of said interactions.
But the best plus of this book is the authenticity, so rare in this world of many masks of the modern sensitivites.
The novels are situated in the 1960's in the fictional city Barnard’s Crossing, that has always had a bit of independent streak (like the Police Chief is a Catholic in the Protestant-filled Massachusetts :)), yet people are people everywhere, so the murders happen there, too. Luckily our Rabbi is well-schooled in the practices of Talmudic logic!
What I love about the novels is that they deal with the practical living of Jews in the modern (OK, 60's) times. The insight into the living of Jewish community, their interactions with the non-Jewish world, but more their interactions within their community. The witty observations are often eye-opening and always enriching. Having very little knowledge about the Jewish "lifestyle", I have gained a lot of valuable information.
And the dynamics between the authentic Rabbi, who knows what he professes, believes and lives according to, and the more "worldly", practical and opportunistic businessmen involved with the temple is even better and has much to teach me about even the today's dynamics of practical, economy-driven world, that strongly needs authenticity, too.
As for the mysteries - Rabbi is the Sherlockian type of detectives (Poirot comes to mind, too). Meaning - he resolves the mysteries quickly, using his Talmudic training in logic, without any clues collecting or doing the small detective work (luckily, the Police Chief is both willing to listen to and good-natured enough to see the many benefits of listening to the Rabbi well).
The small town charm, the insights and the wit can also help to hid the literary sins here: of the temple interactions being a bit prolonged and the mysteries being in the shadow of said interactions.
But the best plus of this book is the authenticity, so rare in this world of many masks of the modern sensitivites.
January 31, 2022
I enjoyed this series by Harry Kemelman. They were 'soft' mysteries in that there was no gore and no needless bloody descriptions. However, they were enticing, and surprising. I liked the Rabbi and enjoyed learning about Jewish traditions and traditional foods and deeper values of Judaism in a way that was not preachy or boring or even 'instructive.' By that I mean that it was all interwoven into the characters and the stories in such a manner that one never feels as if one is being taught something, but really one learns so much. It is especially helpful to one raised as a Christian that Kemelman understands both Judaism and Christianity well and thus the comparisons are very easy to understand. Please don't misunderstand my comments. There is nothing preachy or teachy about these books; they are fun to read, and good stories! I really enjoyed all of the interesting characters and the variety of situations, and I especially enjoyed the natural manner in which the rabbi found himself involved in the surprising situations. Kemelman's insight into the Jewish characters and his sense of humour are lovely. GREAT reading!
June 20, 2020
Rabbi David Small joins a select band of fictional amateur detectives who use observation, personal experience and logic to solve crimes. He has, from time to time, distractions with his congregation and the worries of his wife. He is a sympathetic character and it's easy to identify with his struggles to reconcile his sense of duty, his personal life and helping the Police department. The writing style is pleasing and the stories also give insight into the life of a modern New England Jewish community. Not saying from which story this comes, but when someone is shot and it is assumed that the person who fired the gun then emptied the magazine at random, it is David Small who points out that as the shots were very accurate, all important points of the pictures or objects, the person who fired the gun had to have been an excellent shot. He cited his experience of trying to shoot at a fairground stall when he missed everything when he closed his eyes and fired blindly.
July 29, 2017
I got these because I remembered "back in the day" that my Mother found these and read them and really seemed to like them. I think I would have liked them better spread out and not back-to-back. They give an interesting insight into the Jewish religion and customs and the last one, set partially in Israel, shows the difference between being Jewish in America and in Israel.
All four novels involve a murder, in which Rabbi David Small somehow becomes involved and is key to solving. Using his own intelligence and his knowledge of human frailty, he can understand and "see" how the crime was committed.
I might continue with the rest of this series (I think there are a total of 8 or 9), but I would spread them out.
All four novels involve a murder, in which Rabbi David Small somehow becomes involved and is key to solving. Using his own intelligence and his knowledge of human frailty, he can understand and "see" how the crime was committed.
I might continue with the rest of this series (I think there are a total of 8 or 9), but I would spread them out.
July 12, 2022
This set of four Rabbi Small novels was really quite deceptively fascinating. There are mysteries to be solved in each novel, but it’s almost as if the mysteries are secondary to everything else you get. Each novel is not action packed like a lot of modern novels, but there is no way to get bored. The intellectual ideas presented about the Jewish faith and practice in particular, and religion in general, are utterly fascinating, and the comparisons between and among different faiths is compelling in its own way. The politics of the temple, in each novel different, are compelling as well. I plan to keep reading all of the rest of the novels in this series. They are truly brilliant, in a quiet sort of way.
January 15, 2025
Rabbi Small is a very straightforward man, who has the unusual faculty of seeing things are they are, not as they appear, combined with a strict adherence to principle (not necessarily with ritual for the sake of ritual). These strict principles often make him unpopular in the little Jewish community of Barnard's Crossing, where he is the Rabbi. On the other hand, when someone is in real difficulty or danger, no one is of real support and comfort as the Rabbi.
These four books are an introduction to a series that was immensely popular in the 60s. While the first two volumes are short and in which the Rabbi has a real detective’s instinct, the later volumes are somewhat of a drag at times.
These four books are an introduction to a series that was immensely popular in the 60s. While the first two volumes are short and in which the Rabbi has a real detective’s instinct, the later volumes are somewhat of a drag at times.
July 25, 2017
When these books came out in the 60s and 70s, I'm sure I read all or most of them, but coming back to them now they are fresh and just as enjoyable. I read all four of these first four Rabbi Small mysteries in just a few days and have just ordered the next three in the series. These take him through interesting mystery puzzles as well as through equally interesting moral and ethical puzzles. As a Gentile with not much knowledge of Judaism or the ways of Jewish congregations, I can't judge the theology or verisimilitude, but they are good reads, and I look forward to more. The Monday book was particularly interesting for being set in Jerusalem in the early 70s.
June 2, 2019
Being Jewish
A Jewish friend once asked me whether I thought of Jews as a religion or a culture. I thought at the time it was a strange question. She also told me most of the things, like the running of a synagogue, the issue about faith, how rabbis argue over points, the food and ritual issues, but I didn't understand. These books helped me understand. I appreciate that the Jewish "culture" is woven into thses books. I also have a better understanding of importance of business in the Jewish community.
A Jewish friend once asked me whether I thought of Jews as a religion or a culture. I thought at the time it was a strange question. She also told me most of the things, like the running of a synagogue, the issue about faith, how rabbis argue over points, the food and ritual issues, but I didn't understand. These books helped me understand. I appreciate that the Jewish "culture" is woven into thses books. I also have a better understanding of importance of business in the Jewish community.
July 26, 2019
I read these books many years ago and have always thought of them as favorites. Thankfully, rereading just bolstered that opinion. The mysteries are almost beside the point. The fascination of these books is the rabbi's teaching about what it means to be Jewish. Though I am a Christian, I find lots of food for thought.
I will say the books do show their age in the portrayals of women and Afro-Americans (colored and negro, nothing more perjorative or offensive) but it's an interesting glimpse into the not-to-distant past.
I will say the books do show their age in the portrayals of women and Afro-Americans (colored and negro, nothing more perjorative or offensive) but it's an interesting glimpse into the not-to-distant past.
May 23, 2018
Good series
Not being of the Jewish faith, I found this set to be instructive in filling in some of the intricacies of Judaism. I felt impressed by the Rabbi’s strength of faith and would love to be able to have further conversations with him as a teacher. I felt the character was more interesting to me than the actual mysteries in the books. This is the kind of character you can hope actually has real life counterparts in all faiths and all walks of life.
Not being of the Jewish faith, I found this set to be instructive in filling in some of the intricacies of Judaism. I felt impressed by the Rabbi’s strength of faith and would love to be able to have further conversations with him as a teacher. I felt the character was more interesting to me than the actual mysteries in the books. This is the kind of character you can hope actually has real life counterparts in all faiths and all walks of life.
September 21, 2017
Interesting Read
These books were published in the 1950s. They provide an interesting look at a rabbi's life at that time. The mysteries are not very complicated, and the books are more about how a rabbi relates to his congregation and non Jews.
These books were published in the 1950s. They provide an interesting look at a rabbi's life at that time. The mysteries are not very complicated, and the books are more about how a rabbi relates to his congregation and non Jews.
November 25, 2018
Rabbi Small is, above all, about being able to see what's in front of us for what it is, with no prejudice.
Sometimes the plot plods. Many of the theological discussions are stilted. Some of the themes are dated. But none of that is the point.
The point, is honesty.
Sometimes the plot plods. Many of the theological discussions are stilted. Some of the themes are dated. But none of that is the point.
The point, is honesty.
July 13, 2020
Informative and a great read
I enjoyed reading the series, learning more about Judaism in the process. I wish there were an appendix to disclose definitions and examples of how some of the terms are used, but enjoyable to Gentiles everywhere.
I enjoyed reading the series, learning more about Judaism in the process. I wish there were an appendix to disclose definitions and examples of how some of the terms are used, but enjoyable to Gentiles everywhere.
August 4, 2021
Four excellent mysteries !
I had a great time reading this bundle of books.
There is so much to learn about the Jewish religion ! And there are mysteries. All and all, I love this combination. Enjoy !
I had a great time reading this bundle of books.
There is so much to learn about the Jewish religion ! And there are mysteries. All and all, I love this combination. Enjoy !
May 12, 2024
Visit with an old friend
This was a re-read. I saw the titles and was reminded that I had enjoyed a couple of the books many years ago. Fun to read while providing an opportunity to learn about another religion. They brought smiles again.
This was a re-read. I saw the titles and was reminded that I had enjoyed a couple of the books many years ago. Fun to read while providing an opportunity to learn about another religion. They brought smiles again.
July 17, 2017
These are charming books about the politics and culture of the American Jewish community. Rabbi Small is a highly moral leader who will not bend to local politics to ensure he has a lifetime contract of a local synagogue. He's also an amateur sleuth solving mysteries using Talmudic logic. Excellent read!
July 5, 2019
Easy read
The theme was interesting but some parts were a little slow going. Was tempted to put it down and forget about it a few times. Hence the three stars.
The theme was interesting but some parts were a little slow going. Was tempted to put it down and forget about it a few times. Hence the three stars.
April 16, 2020
Enjoyed these stories but four in a row was too much of same thing glad I read and will recommend but should have spaced them with other type stories between
September 15, 2020
K
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
Better
Good mysteries with a dose of fascinating Jewish lore and a guy you'd love to meet in person to discuss almost anything
Good mysteries with a dose of fascinating Jewish lore and a guy you'd love to meet in person to discuss almost anything
August 1, 2023
Review
Quite long winded at time making me loose my place trying to figure what happened in the past or what was going on now
Quite long winded at time making me loose my place trying to figure what happened in the past or what was going on now
October 13, 2016
I love these Rabbi Small mysteries! Several months ago, I began thinking about this series that I read years ago, and been looking in our local libraries for them – no go. They had been incredibly popular and written over a 30-odd year period, beginning in the mid-60s and ending in the mid-90s.
They portray Rabbi Small, a rabbi who rarely strays from his understanding of the Talmud and of Jewish tradition, and who uses Talmudic arguments in solving crimes.
He is often alone, beset by a synagogue congregation that never quite learned the niceties of the tradition or the Law.
Set in a North of Boston small coastal town, Rabbi Small and his followers deal with problems inherent to a small, sometimes little understood group, in a town largely unfamiliar with Jewish tradition.
This series is one of the few that I feel at home in, as if returning to my own hometown, with feelings of familiarity and recognition.
They portray Rabbi Small, a rabbi who rarely strays from his understanding of the Talmud and of Jewish tradition, and who uses Talmudic arguments in solving crimes.
He is often alone, beset by a synagogue congregation that never quite learned the niceties of the tradition or the Law.
Set in a North of Boston small coastal town, Rabbi Small and his followers deal with problems inherent to a small, sometimes little understood group, in a town largely unfamiliar with Jewish tradition.
This series is one of the few that I feel at home in, as if returning to my own hometown, with feelings of familiarity and recognition.
May 20, 2017
A mouthful of a title because it’s a collection of four novels that follows Rabbi David Small and the small Jewish community he’s recently begun to watch over. I found this a very enjoyable cozy whodunit read with the bonus element of taking me into a Jewish community in the ‘60s not lacking in small town drama—starting with a vote to oust the new Rabbi who while a suspect is also helping solve the case of the murdered nanny.
--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: Calling Nancy Drew Fans, October Releases, and More in Mysteries/Thrillers
--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: Calling Nancy Drew Fans, October Releases, and More in Mysteries/Thrillers
November 17, 2016
I love the Rabbi Small mysteries and I am so happy to see them coming back! I have to reread them as it has probably been 40 years since I read them the first time and can't comment on specific aspects of the books. But, I remember them fondly. They are not cozy mysteries - I recall a fair amount of blood, but I know they were very intelligently written. I look forward to renewing the acquaintance!
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