Conversations with Rabbi Small, Harry Kemelman
Conversations with Rabbi Small, Harry Kemelman
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Conversations with Rabbi Small

Author: Harry Kemelman

Narrator: George Guidall

Unabridged: 7 hr 55 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 12/07/2012


Synopsis

As he counsels a woman considering conversion to Judaism, Rabbi Small takes a break from murder mysteries to discuss the mysteries of his religion.

In Conversations with Rabbi Small, the rabbi finds himself taking a well-deserved vacation at a Jewish retreat in the mountains, where he reads, plays cards, and furthers his studies, which have been languishing for too long. When the rabbi’s wife is called back to the city to deal with an illness in the family, the rabbi meets a curious young woman in the midst of a life-changing moment.

Joan is a gentile who is about to marry a Jewish man, and she is desperate for answers as she determines whether or not to convert to her betrothed’s religion.

In Rabbi Small, she finds an ideal teacher. In a series of impassioned conversations, the rabbi guides her through the ancient mysteries and wonders of Judaism, giving guidance to both her and her husband-to-be. With humor and compassion, the rabbi shares the history, beliefs, and traditions that have linked Jewish people across the world for millennia.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jamie on September 28, 2012

This was my Yom Kippur reading and it was a fittingly evocative and, at times, infuriating. Unlike Kemelman's other Rabbi Small mysteries, this book reads as a Judaism 201 placed in the confines of a conversation between his most famous character and a young couple, one secularly Jewish and one inte......more

Goodreads review by Meredith on July 28, 2015

I am sooo conflicted about this book. There are parts I'd give a 5 and parts I'd give a 2. The first 1/3 or so that is basically Jewish apologetics without getting into Christianity is fascinating. I enjoyed better understanding what is distinctly Jewish and also where Lutherans (ELCA) are in a fair......more

Goodreads review by Richard on March 12, 2020

People applying for citizenship in the United States probably know more about our constitution, the declaration of independence, and the three branches of government than the average US born citizen. Honestly, when was the last time you read the Constitution? So, while I am culturally Jewish, I know......more

Goodreads review by Mary on November 06, 2020

Not a mystery and barely a novel, but those interested in learning about Judaism, particularly fans of Rabbi Small, will find it an easy read for that purpose. Of course if you are already a fan of the Rabbi Small mysteries you may find this book somewhat redundant.......more

Goodreads review by Sari Lynn on July 17, 2008

I remember really enjoying this book when I read it 25 years ago. The author provided an interesting way to explore the meaning and rituals of Judaism, within an interesting fictional story. (However, I could see the ending twist coming a mile away.)......more