Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry

De: Harry Kemelman

Narrado por: George Guidall

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

A great story, told well

Harry Kemelman is a great storyteller and no one is better than George Guidall at bringing out the best in an author’s work.

Another delightful story.

I particularly like the way the author weaves in Jewish theology. I will continue listening to the series.

This book was informative funny and a good mystery

good old-fashioned mystery back and forth never quite sure and lots of information about the Jewish faith it was wonderful

good story but...

This is George Guidall at his very best. Esp. the older male characters. Bravo, MrG

Brilliant!

Loved learning about some Jewish traditions in a US temple, and Talmudic reasoning. George Guidal as narrator a gem.

Dated, but bearable

I enjoyed the entire series, most of which I got from the local library, but they didn't have a copy of this one, so I downloaded it. I kept expecting the rabbi to change, but he didn't. The part I enjoyed most was learning about the various customers of Judaism and the logic of the Talmudic scholar. The one caveat I want to append to my overall positive rating is that the book is pretty dated: the language, the societal conflicts, the stereotypes are all very specific to the mid-twentieth century. If that doesn't bother you, read on; this is a clever cozy series. If it does, move on, it will drive you bonkers.

Recommend with caveat

Great narration

Love this narrator! He really helps me "see" the stories he reads. I also love that he reads all the books in this series.

Solid Mystery

This was another good book in the series. Sometimes there is nothing like enjoying a short, old fashioned mystery. The Rabbi's wisdom and interpretation of Jewish law is also interesting.

Love these gentle, CLEAN books, very clever

I get so tired of the sordid tales out their with bad language, crudity and filth tossed in for no reason. A good story holds up without it, and this series hits it spot on! Love the clever rabbi!

AN ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIVE COZY MYSTERY

What did you love best about Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry?

In addition to a local murder for the rabbi to solve, the traditions and observance of Yom Kippur is described in the detail.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not necessarily, but it was entertaining.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

Rabbi Small - he's young and a bit confused. He's only beginning to find his way with the congregation.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the rabbi decided to go up against the officers in the temple. His wife, almost nine months pregnant, tries to keep calm while worrying about the future of her family.