Friday the Rabbi Slept Late

A Rabbi Small Mystery, Book 1

By: Harry Kemelman

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Young and unassuming Rabbi David Small sorts through puzzling pieces of mysteries with logic straight from the Talmud. In Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, a shocking discovery on the temple grounds threatens to ruin both the diligent rabbi and the entire Jewish community at Barnard’s Crossing. Unaware that his congregation is grumbling about his rumpled appearance and absent-minded manner, Rabbi Small spends long hours poring over scholarly books. But he is forced to face his congregants’ discontent when the police discover a young woman’s body outside the temple - and her handbag in his car. Suddenly Rabbi Small must study motives and uncover the killer, or lose more than his followers. Best-selling author Harry Kemelman fills his shrewdly plotted mysteries with likeable and cunning characters who could be your next door neighbors. Personally approved for this unabridged recording by the author’s estate, veteran narrator George Guidall expertly brings the harried rabbi and his mutinous congregation to life.

©1964 Harry Kemelman (P)1997 Recorded Books

although nearly 60 years old, this book holds up

I loved the way the mystery develops, and all the interesting philosophy and religion discussed and worked into the story, by main characters, as it unfolds, and Rabbi applying Talmudic principles to criminal investigations. Very original !

I loved this story and this narration

Sadly I was not born Jewish but I have been studying Judaism for many years with the intention of converting when I am certain I will be a worthy member of a priestly people. I of course can’t speak to the realism of the portrayal of this fictional community but I can say that I had a Rabbi who reminds me of Rabbi small in his convictions, his love of Talmud and study, his deep intelligence and kindness, and his unyielding desire to emphasize the beauty and separateness of Judaism at the same time he tried to develop a diverse and inclusive congregation. The murder mystery is the least interesting part of the story. I hope you enjoy the characters and their relationships and their integrity as much as I did. I wish this could become a series on Hulu or Amazon. “Barnard Crossing” or “The Rabbi Small Mysteries” 😊

Rather good

The main character was very smart and likable, though unassuming. The action took some time to unfold, but overly the slow pace had its charm and corresponded with the setting from mid XXth century.
The the police inspector was also a fine character who aimed for justice and wasn’t satisfied with the easiest answer. Moreover, he felt secure enough to listen and solve the case in cooperation with an outsider.

Dated but good detective work.

I read this entire series years ago when they were new. So I expected them to be dated, and I was not surprised. So I approached them as I would Old-Time radio and accepted the premises as they were presented. It was wonderful hearing the rabbi explain the Talmudic approach , and it was wonderful, listening to George Guidall do the narration. He made it come to life it was enjoyable I will probably listen to the whole series again.

Enjoyable and a good look back at history

Firstly, the narration is great. The reader does a good job of making each character distinct without seeming stereotypical. The story, itself, is pretty good, if uncomfortable at times (it isn’t shy in its portrayal of antisemitism), but really stands as an artifact of the time. Some of the descriptions of women wouldn’t pass muster today, and shouldn’t, but the writing embodies the ethos of the time. The twist was unexpected, but the author left clues that could have led someone smarter than I am (the Rabbi, for instance) to the conclusion. I’ll listen to another!

Now I want the whole series

What made the experience of listening to Friday the Rabbi Slept Late the most enjoyable?

I enjoy anything that George Guidall reads....that is what led me to this book and now I want to read, or listen to, the entire series. Not only is the mystery interesting, I appreciate the insight into the Jewish faith.

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

George Guidall is one of my favorite readers.

Amiable But Slow

This felt like more of an interesting community profile than an actual mystery, as the titular rabbi is only in about a third of the scenes. When there's a large cast to handle, it helps to have a distinctive voice for each person, and the narrator doesn't pull it off here, alas. A frequently startling look at life in the non-hippie part of the 1960s, but wow was it slow going. There isn't even a crime until a third of the way through the book. I enjoyed it anyway, but I wish I'd been warned about the leisurely pace ahead of time. That's why I'm warning you.

great story as usual

George has a wonderful voice it is easy to listen to . I could listen to him all day long. storyline is constantly turning and keeps you on the edge of your seat questioning wondering thinking...

WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDRRFUL

I truly enjoyed his book. I read he "Rsbbi Smsll" books years ago. It is just as good now. Read all this series you can.

no Putz About it

Mazel tov I grew up in that neck of the woods where it's takes place The rabbi series is always a great weed Disregard is coming from agoy