Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry

By: Harry Kemelman

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

In his hugely popular series, best-selling author Harry Kemelman creates well-crafted mysteries, filled with slice-of-life characters and fascinating Hebrew rituals. Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry pulls you into the Jewish community at Barnard’s Crossing, which has just been thrown into disarray over the unexplained death of one of its members.

As Rabbi Small and his temple congregation solemnly prepare for Yom Kippur, a non-practicing member is found dead behind the wheel of his car - in his own garage. The police call the death an accident, and the insurance company insists that it’s suicide. But Miriam, Rabbi Small’s wife, believes the mishap could only be cold-blooded murder. With his congregants splitting over the possible cause, the young rabbi must discover the truth, or forfeit all hope for peace in the temple. Turning to the Talmud for divine logic, Rabbi Small discovers order in the midst of the most muddled events.

Veteran narrator George Guidall, personally approved for this unabridged recording by the author’s estate, provides the perfect voice for the determined rabbi as he faces the divided Jewish community.

©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.

This series in an old, treasured friend.

The cadence of rhe reader reminds me of voices from my childhood. Delightfully so! It is also well plotted, with interesting characters and thought provoking discussions among the chapters. The same is true of the first title in the series--"Friday the Rabbi---"

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.