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The Rabbi Small Mysteries #10
Ein Kreuz für den Rabbi
On a pleasure trip to the Holy Land, Rabbi David Small looks in on the troubled son of friends. Young Jordan Goodman has embraced the extreme ideals of a controversial fundamentalist Jewish group. Now his newfound beliefs lead him to perform an act of dubious heroism that results in a murder charge. Can Rabbi Small show him the error of his ways . . . and save him from the murder rap?
218 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1987
429 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
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 93 reviews
January 18, 2024
Rabbi David Small and his wife Miriam head to Jerusalem for a sabbatical of sorts, leaving the headaches of Rabbi Small’s Conservative synagogue in Barnard’s Crossing behind — or so they think. The son of the local Jewish grocer has joined an ultra-Orthodox yeshiva (Jewish religious school of sorts) in Jerusalem, and his parents are quite worried.
As they should be. Jordan Goodman has renamed himself (never a good sign when dealing with a cult), and the young man ends up the suspect in a murder. The story, while first published in 1987, is as fresh as the latest news: Recently, fanatical young Lubavitchers in Crown Heights in Brooklyn nearly caused their synagogue to cave in and brawled with New York police when the latter tried to interfere.
Fear no one as much as religious fanatics convinced they’re directed by God. The late author Harry Kemelman had a tendency to pontificate, but there’s none of that here. Highly recommended.
As they should be. Jordan Goodman has renamed himself (never a good sign when dealing with a cult), and the young man ends up the suspect in a murder. The story, while first published in 1987, is as fresh as the latest news: Recently, fanatical young Lubavitchers in Crown Heights in Brooklyn nearly caused their synagogue to cave in and brawled with New York police when the latter tried to interfere.
Fear no one as much as religious fanatics convinced they’re directed by God. The late author Harry Kemelman had a tendency to pontificate, but there’s none of that here. Highly recommended.
April 16, 2018
This was one of Kemelman's later books and I believe one of his better ones. The Rabbi decides to take a trip to Israel and as usual we learn about the history of Judaism and the differences between Reformed, Conservative and Orthodox. It is interesting how hard-nosed Rabbi Small is about keeping the rules while simultaneously disavowing any belief in God. According to Rabbi Small, who is a conservative Jew, the objective of practicing Judaism is to preserve the traditions and a way of life that is moral. He butts heads with many of his own congregants because of his inflexible attitude.
Since the story takes place in Israel we also come into contact with Arabs and possible terrorists. A man named Greshin, who is a liberal Jewish-American professor and also an Arab sympathizer, comes to Israel and immediately disappears. What has happened to him? Has he disappeared on purpose or has something more nefarious occurred.
We also meet a young man named Ish Tov who is living at an American yeshiva to study the ways of Orthodox Judaism. Because he knew the professor and had an altercation with him some years ago, he is under suspicion.
The most interesting aspect of Kemmelman's stories are not the mystery, which is minimal at best, but his comparisons of Judaism with other sects of Judaism as well as Islam and Christianity. At times the tone gets to be lecturing, but I find all of his books informative and since I am interested in world religions, his books are always a worthwhile read.
Since the story takes place in Israel we also come into contact with Arabs and possible terrorists. A man named Greshin, who is a liberal Jewish-American professor and also an Arab sympathizer, comes to Israel and immediately disappears. What has happened to him? Has he disappeared on purpose or has something more nefarious occurred.
We also meet a young man named Ish Tov who is living at an American yeshiva to study the ways of Orthodox Judaism. Because he knew the professor and had an altercation with him some years ago, he is under suspicion.
The most interesting aspect of Kemmelman's stories are not the mystery, which is minimal at best, but his comparisons of Judaism with other sects of Judaism as well as Islam and Christianity. At times the tone gets to be lecturing, but I find all of his books informative and since I am interested in world religions, his books are always a worthwhile read.
February 17, 2018
Quick, quirky fun read!
In the style of Miss Marple, Harry Kemelman collates a basketful of Yiddish phrases and mannerisms into a quick tour around Jerusalem - with an intriguing murder on the side!
Interesting insights into Arab Jewish interaction and thoughts on Israeli security. Young american behaviour also features.
A delightful, quick read!
In the style of Miss Marple, Harry Kemelman collates a basketful of Yiddish phrases and mannerisms into a quick tour around Jerusalem - with an intriguing murder on the side!
Interesting insights into Arab Jewish interaction and thoughts on Israeli security. Young american behaviour also features.
A delightful, quick read!
October 4, 2025
Another fun -- if a little outdated -- look into the life of Rabbi David Small. Again, he's in Israel and stumbles into a spy-type mystery.
March 14, 2020
Okay, I’ll admit it - I’ve gotten addicted to the Rabbi Small books. This is the tenth book in the series and I already have the last two requested on interlibrary loan.
I generally do not read murder mysteries so what is it about these books that is so addicting? The writing, the characters, the Jewish morality explorations, and of course the who done it part.
Rabbi Small is a bumbling character - much like a Jewish Columbo. He has poor social skills, prefers books to people, alienates his congregation, and yet somehow always finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Rabbi David Small is a scholar. In fact, learning, studying, and then applying this knowledge to the betterment of his fellow man is to him the main tenant of Judaism.
In One Fine Day The Rabbi Bought A Cross David and his wife Miriam have gone back to Israel for a long vacation. Away from the demands of his congregation the Rabbi is free to worship, learn, explore, and just goof off. Unfortunately, a set of circumstances brings him into contact with a number members of the Barnard’s Crossing Jewish community that are visiting Israel. And, via them, he finds himself back involved with temple politics and a murder.
Harry Kemelman wrote these books focusing on the times he lived in. This book was written in 1987 and it deals with the extremism of Judaism in Israel, the extreme security measures in place in the country, and terrorism. And, as usual, Rabbi Small bumbles his way into the middle of all of it.
If you are new to this series, please go back to the earlier books rather than starting with this one as you will get important background about the Rabbi and Judaism that will help you to understand and enjoy this book. If you are a regular reader you will miss the Rabbi’s Talmudic explanations with the Catholic Police chief but find that those are replaced by his dealing with the Israeli police. As always, Kemelman has spun a fanciful and enjoyable yarn that you will not want to put down.
I generally do not read murder mysteries so what is it about these books that is so addicting? The writing, the characters, the Jewish morality explorations, and of course the who done it part.
Rabbi Small is a bumbling character - much like a Jewish Columbo. He has poor social skills, prefers books to people, alienates his congregation, and yet somehow always finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Rabbi David Small is a scholar. In fact, learning, studying, and then applying this knowledge to the betterment of his fellow man is to him the main tenant of Judaism.
In One Fine Day The Rabbi Bought A Cross David and his wife Miriam have gone back to Israel for a long vacation. Away from the demands of his congregation the Rabbi is free to worship, learn, explore, and just goof off. Unfortunately, a set of circumstances brings him into contact with a number members of the Barnard’s Crossing Jewish community that are visiting Israel. And, via them, he finds himself back involved with temple politics and a murder.
Harry Kemelman wrote these books focusing on the times he lived in. This book was written in 1987 and it deals with the extremism of Judaism in Israel, the extreme security measures in place in the country, and terrorism. And, as usual, Rabbi Small bumbles his way into the middle of all of it.
If you are new to this series, please go back to the earlier books rather than starting with this one as you will get important background about the Rabbi and Judaism that will help you to understand and enjoy this book. If you are a regular reader you will miss the Rabbi’s Talmudic explanations with the Catholic Police chief but find that those are replaced by his dealing with the Israeli police. As always, Kemelman has spun a fanciful and enjoyable yarn that you will not want to put down.
May 19, 2020
I always enjoy a Kemelman mystery. I don't remember reading this one and when it popped up on my Kindle as a free download, I jumped at the chance. Now that I am a rabbi in a small town, it means even more. Barnard's Crossing is a fictional north shore community north of Boston, but I feel I know every street (having lived in Boston for years). The streets of Israel, Jerusalem are real too. Kemelman's attention to detail provides a realism. Although, from time to time it also feels dated. As for the rabbi's ability to solve the mystery, some of that felt predictable and yet it resolved in different ways. In any case, a very enjoyable read.
February 26, 2020
Mysterious
For someone who isn't Jewish, some of the religious things the writer mentions may be hard to grasp. Lucky for me I once worked with a Rabbi while in the army. Not that I know much but I did pick up a few things. I didn't see the end coming that's for sure. If you want to read a good book, pick this one.
For someone who isn't Jewish, some of the religious things the writer mentions may be hard to grasp. Lucky for me I once worked with a Rabbi while in the army. Not that I know much but I did pick up a few things. I didn't see the end coming that's for sure. If you want to read a good book, pick this one.
February 22, 2019
A very satisfying continuation of this series.
August 23, 2020
3.5*
I enjoyed this 10th book in the Rabbi Small series, which was no surprise as I have liked all the other ones I have read. However, I felt that in this case the reader learns far more about what is going on than Rabbi Small ever does which made the elucidation of the mystery & Small's part in it less prominent than in the earlier (and to my mind, better) books.
And by the way, the blurb for this particular edition is awful - it contains errors and misleading statements that give a false idea of the book.
I enjoyed this 10th book in the Rabbi Small series, which was no surprise as I have liked all the other ones I have read. However, I felt that in this case the reader learns far more about what is going on than Rabbi Small ever does which made the elucidation of the mystery & Small's part in it less prominent than in the earlier (and to my mind, better) books.
And by the way, the blurb for this particular edition is awful - it contains errors and misleading statements that give a false idea of the book.
August 27, 2021
Unfortunately, at the very end, thirteen pages from the end of my copy to be exact, the author chose to include some strong profanity. That will prevent me from recommending this book to anyone, or reading any more in the series. That’s a bummer because up until that point I was really enjoying it.
June 6, 2021
I cannot remember having listened to this story in the series, it is very similar to Rabbi Smalls' "Monday" mystery .... perhaps that why it feels familiar.
This book reflects the era, worldview, and etc, the author lived in, held, and is writing from.
This book reflects the era, worldview, and etc, the author lived in, held, and is writing from.
January 12, 2009
David Small and his wife are gearing up for the summer. First another member of the synagouge feels that he never really had his BarMitvah, so he decides that he will pay for the Rabbi and his wife to go to Israel to perform the honors, only David refuses. He feels that this is silly. But then he is invited to go and stay with his wife's aunt and stay for several weeks. While he is there, he meets IshTov and Skinner. Skinner owns a house near the American yeshiva and has bad relations with them. IshTov has had problems with the law in the US and is the first to be thought of when a professor turns up deceased in the backyard trench of a Skinner. David feels that he needs to help IshTov get out of the mess he is in and then members of David's synagoge make it possible for him to come back to US when David proves that IshTov hadn't committed this crime. It turns out it was Skinner and his Arab servant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
Interesting, Informative, and Reliable
I always learn something new about Judaism when I read a Rabbi David Small mystery. In this case, I also learned a great deal about Israel since much of the book takes place there. The number of suspects for this murder mystery is relatively small (pardon he pun), so it isn't terribly difficult to guess who the perpetrator is, but finding out how Rabbi Small works it out is fascinating. Recommended as a good escapism noveel.
I always learn something new about Judaism when I read a Rabbi David Small mystery. In this case, I also learned a great deal about Israel since much of the book takes place there. The number of suspects for this murder mystery is relatively small (pardon he pun), so it isn't terribly difficult to guess who the perpetrator is, but finding out how Rabbi Small works it out is fascinating. Recommended as a good escapism noveel.
April 4, 2020
I loved this series years ago and had not realized there were some I had not read!
The presentation of Jewish life and practices was as good as I remembered. After the very beginning the middle dragged a bit, though, and the ending presentation was rather rough. There were some things I never quite understood, like why the two perpetators apparently got off without criminal charges???
The presentation of Jewish life and practices was as good as I remembered. After the very beginning the middle dragged a bit, though, and the ending presentation was rather rough. There were some things I never quite understood, like why the two perpetators apparently got off without criminal charges???
August 15, 2018
I have enjoyed Kemelman's Rabbi books, but I found this one a bit weak. Yes, I find his comments and wisdom on Judaism the best part of the book. One always learns a lot. Still, it was great to have an easy read after "Radium Girls". I coasted along happily,
December 21, 2015
It does feel very far fetched that the Rabbi would end up involved in such a mystery while in the Holy Land.
March 12, 2023
I have jumped around in this series - books 1 and 2, 6 and 7 and now 10. The first one was the best (4 stars), whereas I gave this one and all the others 3 stars.
In this one, the mystery didn't begin until halfway through the book, so it was hard to get engaged in it. But it was light-reading when I needed it, which was why I bought it (on sale). One thing that irritated me was that the rabbi and his wife travelled to Israel but didn't seem to experience any jet lag.
We learn a few things about Israel and Judaism in the book, and since the rabbi often talks to non-Jews or Jews with a different background, the information is well-integrated in the story. A few things we learn about in this book:
- Bar Mitzvah (simply age of maturity, with non-required traditions attached to it),
- name history (when required to take a last name, many chose something pretty like Perlmutter - ie mother of pearl, and when they move to Israel, they might translate their name, for example from Goodman to Ish-Tov (literally Good Man).
- Israel (Shin Bet=national security, miluim=army reserve duty, etc.).
- kosher (for example, that a mashgiach is a hotel kosher supervisor, and that overnight guests in your home need to learn the rules).
In this book, the rabbi's son Jonathan is old enough to work at a summer camp, and his daughter Hepsibah is 14 years old. At least they're mentioned in this book - which wasn't the case in the last book I read (number 7) and therefore I didn't even remember they existed.
I may well end up reading more books from the series, but with mostly three star ratings, I'm not in a hurry.
In this one, the mystery didn't begin until halfway through the book, so it was hard to get engaged in it. But it was light-reading when I needed it, which was why I bought it (on sale). One thing that irritated me was that the rabbi and his wife travelled to Israel but didn't seem to experience any jet lag.
We learn a few things about Israel and Judaism in the book, and since the rabbi often talks to non-Jews or Jews with a different background, the information is well-integrated in the story. A few things we learn about in this book:
- Bar Mitzvah (simply age of maturity, with non-required traditions attached to it),
- name history (when required to take a last name, many chose something pretty like Perlmutter - ie mother of pearl, and when they move to Israel, they might translate their name, for example from Goodman to Ish-Tov (literally Good Man).
- Israel (Shin Bet=national security, miluim=army reserve duty, etc.).
- kosher (for example, that a mashgiach is a hotel kosher supervisor, and that overnight guests in your home need to learn the rules).
In this book, the rabbi's son Jonathan is old enough to work at a summer camp, and his daughter Hepsibah is 14 years old. At least they're mentioned in this book - which wasn't the case in the last book I read (number 7) and therefore I didn't even remember they existed.
I may well end up reading more books from the series, but with mostly three star ratings, I'm not in a hurry.
July 9, 2018
I'm sure that I've read others in this series, but I can't remember the titles or the dates. This one was offered at a discount online, so I ordered it. It was an easy read and gave plenty of insights into the role of a rabbi in the Jewish faith. The story itself moved along well and was interesting, especially as to the death of the murder victim and how he got where he did. There was only one little error, at least to my understanding. The rabbi's wife said that the church where the Last Supper was celebrated was the Church of the Dormition. It should have been the Cenacle. The Dormition is where the Blessed Virgin Mary "fell asleep" and was taken body and soul into heaven.
December 21, 2025
Set in Jerusalem. 254 pp. I really enjoyed this entry into the series. I enjoyed having the rabbi and his wife getting out of their home town, and I was really invested in their interactions in Israel. The mystery was more or less so-so, but I did find the resolution satisfying.
One Fine Day the Rabbi Bought a Cross (The Rabbi Small Mysteries, #10) by Harry Kemelman
One Fine Day the Rabbi Bought a Cross (The Rabbi Small Mysteries, #10) by Harry Kemelman
February 28, 2020
This is part of a series by Kemelman about Mass. rabbi David Small. The books are intelligent, coherent, and usually fun to read. This was a bit less so - adequate, but below his normal high quality.
Rabbi and wife are off to Jerusalem in the summer, after parking kids in camp. There they were asked to look up the son of an acquaintance, and soon the son is in trouble. Meanwhile there is a cross, or maybe connected, plot involving Israeli-Arab relations.
So an ok mystery is set up, but the resolution comes way too easily. It’s almost as if Kemelman got bored with his book.
Rabbi and wife are off to Jerusalem in the summer, after parking kids in camp. There they were asked to look up the son of an acquaintance, and soon the son is in trouble. Meanwhile there is a cross, or maybe connected, plot involving Israeli-Arab relations.
So an ok mystery is set up, but the resolution comes way too easily. It’s almost as if Kemelman got bored with his book.
June 11, 2020
Book- One Fine Day The Rabbi Bought A Cross
Author - Harry Kemelman
Publisher- Open Road Media
Genre- #MurderMystery
My Rating- 3.5⭐
I chanced upon this book when searching for a novel set in Israel. It's the 10th book of a #MurderMysterySeries, featuring Rabbi Small. While the book is a murder mystery, the murder itself happens quite late in the book and doesn't take too much investigation to solve.
The book provides a lot of insight into the Jewish culture and practices.
Don't you love how books take us to different places and expose us to diverse people's and cultures?
Author - Harry Kemelman
Publisher- Open Road Media
Genre- #MurderMystery
My Rating- 3.5⭐
I chanced upon this book when searching for a novel set in Israel. It's the 10th book of a #MurderMysterySeries, featuring Rabbi Small. While the book is a murder mystery, the murder itself happens quite late in the book and doesn't take too much investigation to solve.
The book provides a lot of insight into the Jewish culture and practices.
Don't you love how books take us to different places and expose us to diverse people's and cultures?
June 11, 2020
Very good. Interesting too as to hearing the Rabbi's statements to members of the synagogue when responding to their statements, the contrasts & similarities of their interpretations. A sound plot as well.
I've read several of Mr. Kemelman's "..Rabbi... [(in title)]" fiction works & they've all held up to keep me interested. Community stories within the mystery story make his stories enjoyable reading/listening for me.
I've read several of Mr. Kemelman's "..Rabbi... [(in title)]" fiction works & they've all held up to keep me interested. Community stories within the mystery story make his stories enjoyable reading/listening for me.
March 4, 2020
I probably read this book back in the day when I was reading all of The Rabbi books by Harry Kemelman. It starts out a little slow as we are introduced to the characters but then the body is discovered in Jeruselem where I got a little lost in the politics and different factions. But I still like the way Mr Kemelman wrote.
July 22, 2022
Another fine entry in the series. We get some callbacks to Rabbi Small's last trip to Israel; the usual cavalcade of sitcom-worthy temple board members mad about something or other; and a rather engaging mystery where every loose end is tied up nicely.
This series has been such a joy to get through. Highly recommended to Jews and non-Jews alike.
This series has been such a joy to get through. Highly recommended to Jews and non-Jews alike.
January 7, 2023
Detailed and Satisfying
I sat down and went straight through this book this afternoon/evening! Exquisite development of several storylines which then proceeded to meet and intertwine into something thoroughly satisfying! If you’d like a good murder mystery without a lot of gore or fear, this is an outstanding read!
I sat down and went straight through this book this afternoon/evening! Exquisite development of several storylines which then proceeded to meet and intertwine into something thoroughly satisfying! If you’d like a good murder mystery without a lot of gore or fear, this is an outstanding read!
July 29, 2023
This is the ninth in Kemelman's Rabbi Small mystery series, and this is the only one set outside the U.S.A. On a trip to Israel with Miriam, Rabbi Small runs into a young yeshiva student from his town f residence Bernard's Crossing, MA. The young man is soon involved in a murder investigation, which is too baffling for the Israelis, and it's David Small to the rescue.
September 5, 2018
Quick light cozy with a bit more interest than the usual because of the ample information on Judaism, Israel, Mid-East politics, and best of all how Talmudic study creates a logical mind able to deduce answers to crime.
September 12, 2018
I am old enough to remember the TV series based on these books called Lannigan's Rabbi. The show only had 5-6 episodes
The novels can seem dated. They are well written. They are a good read if you are a murder-mystery fan
The novels can seem dated. They are well written. They are a good read if you are a murder-mystery fan
November 14, 2018
The story takes place mostly in Israel and is filled with foreign intrigue and plots. As usual, I did not manage to figure it out myself but I did enjoy getting to the place where all is revealed. The title alone made me curious to read the book.
March 18, 2019
This is one of the series set in Israel, and for some reason I enjoy these. Rabbi Small is away from the confines of his home congregation, and while I miss Lanigan I like the possibilities that freedom opens up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews