Friday the Rabbi Slept Late by Harry Kemelman

Before that point, the book is mostly about the conflict between two warring factions in Rabbi Small’s temple, with the rabbi caught in the middle as he typically is. There is a murder in this book, but it doesn’t occur until more than halfway through the story. In my view, though, this third book in the series shortchanges the mystery part of the mix, resulting in a weaker book than its predecessors. The unique pleasure of the Rabbi Small Mysteries books comes from their integration of a cozy-ish mystery story with insights into Judaism and Jewish cultural life. Doesn't hold up to the test of time but still enjoyable. Rabbi Small applies Jewish law to help his friend, police chief Hugh Lanigan, solve crimes.Ī quick read. What makes the Rabbi Small stories stand out is they provide the opportunity to learn more about Jewish culture and religion. The story does not hold up to the test of time very well. The book was first published in 1969 and revolves around marijuana with a dose of the racial situation at the time thrown in. There is to be a regularly scheduled meeting while he is away and since he won't be there the congregation's president and his followers take advantage to push their agenda. When the story opens Rabbi Small is preparing to leave to perform services at a local university.

There are two factions in the synagogue and the congregation is on a verge of a split with one faction ready to start a new temple.

Rabbi David Small’s 5-year contract at the synagogue in Barnard’s Crossing, Massachusetts is nearing an end. It starts out very slow and it is not until the halfway point where the action starts. I am old enough to remember when that was a bestseller. The first book, Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, was published in 1964 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. This is the third book in the Rabbi Small mysteries.

Friday the Rabbi Slept Late by Harry Kemelman