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Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry

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About this listen

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.

©1966 Harry Kemelman (P)1997 Recorded Books Mystery Middle East
All stars
Most relevant
The USA before 9/11, a small town Eden where civil rights demonstrations are somewhere else, but class is a big issue, where business sharp practice is nasty, but does not ruin thousands of pensioners.
Rabbi David Small is a good man, albeit given to the sort of casuistry for which the Jesuits have earned expulsion from many countries on many occasions. Unlike the majority of fictional detectives he is happily, if not convincingly, married. Poor Miriam isn't daft, but seems to be satisfied with less consideration than her husband's crumpled jacket.
It's "I love Lucy" with a touch of theology and a seemly murder, great bedtime listening, told in an old fashioned American accent which is easy to follow.

Comfortable whodunnit

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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!

Yom Kippur Happy New Year?

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Wonderful insight into Jewish life and lore coupled with a gently logical problem solving approach to a murder mystery. Going back to listen to number one in this series. Fabulously observed dialogue and characters.Terrific

Can’t wait to read the rest of this series

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The combination of learning about Jewish traditions and enjoying the whodunnit plot is captivating. Highly recommended.

Loving this series

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so much enjoyed this book, brilliantly plotted, written and narrated. if your like to learn while you are being thoroughly entertained. there is no one better than Kemelman

kemelman is a master

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