Conversations with Rabbi Small

By: Harry Kemelman

Narrated by: George Guidall

With Conversations with Rabbi Small, Harry Kemelman adds layers of depth to one of the most beloved characters in contemporary fiction. Rabbi Small’s investigative talents and great learning come in handy while he’s vacationing in the mountains one June - even though there’s no murder to be solved. Faced with performing an emergency conversion, the rabbi must bring his celebrated tenacity and intuition to bear on a different kind of problem. Joan Abernathy has asked Rabbi Small to convert her so she can marry a Jew. The couple’s quandary prompts him to delve deep into the philosophy and history of Judaism. As he answers their difficult questions, Rabbi Small realizes it is not Joan whom he must convert. Veteran narrator George Guidall has been personally approved by the author’s estate. As you listen to his rich performance, you will find yourself sitting right in the rabbi’s rustic cabin, sipping ginger ale, and being drawn inextricably into the fascinating conversation. If you enjoy the rabbi’s company, be sure to check out the Rabbi David Small mystery series, available exclusively from Recorded Books, Inc.

©1981 Harr y Kemelman (P)1999 Recorded Books

The ending

I read this book as the last in the series. I’ve learned so much about Judaism. I will miss Rabbi Small!

conversations with Rabbi Small

I have always loved the Rabbi books but this one is fabulous. The story reveals so many things about the Jewish religion, thoughts and culture. one of the most fascinating discussions I have read, and I must say it makes a lot more sense than most. Really gets the mental juices flowing

What a Treat, Indeed - WONDERFUL!!!

I am a commuted (NOT EVANGELICAL) Christian who was reared during the 1950s. Although I have enjoyed Kemmelman’s Rabbi Small cozy mysteries very much, I appreciate this lovely book more than all his Rabbi Small adventures. I DO wish I might have joined Rabbi’s conversations with Aaron and Joan because I’d like to have had the opportunity to correct a few of his misunderstandings regarding Christian beliefs and practices. Nevertheless, I found “Conversations…” to be enthralling and would have been delighted to have discovered that it was the first in a series 🥰. George Guidall’s narration is, of course, Superb.

Great Story

I loved it all. Added so I would have 15 words in the review words in this book book review

If you loved the Rabbi Series don’t forget this title

I read the original seven books in the late 70s. Loved the series. Later in the 80’s I listened to those same books on tape plus books 9 and 10. I purposely did read Conversations with Rabbi Small. I thought the book would be Rabbi Small mystery without the mystery of drama involving his church. Recently I started rereading those books again on audible. After rereading the first seven books. I decided to read Conversations. I was not disappointed. Yes there was discussions about the Jewish and how it compared to other faiths especially Christianity. I have taken college classes on both Judaism and Christianity. I found that Kellerman as Rabbi Small representation of Jewish and Christian thought fairly accurate keeping in mind that Small focus on Christianity is primarily the Roman Catholic Church and not Protestant or evangelical Christian groups. But this book was more than theological discussions, but there is a store there, and a problem and a mystery and Rabbi Small is able to set everything right. This book deserves its place in Rabbi Small canon as a good middle between the first seven books and the books that follow.

Fascinating!

I’ve read all the other books in the Rabbi series and saved this one for last. Now I’m going to go read the series again. This was so enjoyable and informative. I highly recommend it. And George Guidall was amazing as always.

Returned without finishing

Harry Kemelman (Author 1908-1996) knew a lot about Judaism (at least a semi-secular version from the 1960's) but totally lacked understanding of Christian (particularly Protestant) beliefs and practices. Had he stuck with explaining Judaism and hadn't tried to make those erroneous comparisons to Christianity, I might have enjoyed this book and I really wanted to like it. As it is, I was so offended by my faith being so misrepresented that I returned this book without finishing reading it. This is really too bad as his Rabbi Small mysteries, though dated, are really quite interesting and enjoyable.

Very dated, sadly

Excellent presentation of ideal/enlightened Judaism. Tragically this rabbi’s vision has been rejected by the majority of Jews who favor the nationalistic, messianic, and mystical version this rabbi abhors.

no story

it's just people sitting around discussing and comparing religion. by chapter 8 I gave up. I've liked all the books before now and George Guidall is great as always, but there's no story. nothing happens!

Interesting but at times Tiresome

I learned a lot about Judaism but it didn't convert me. The ending had a nice twist that reminded one of the Rabbi Small mysteries. The performance was strong.