The first book, which takes place in 1963, sets the scene for all the succeeding ones. Now, 12 years after my first review, I have reread all the books to evaluate the treatment of Rebbetzin Small and her role from a Jewish feminist perspective.

I heartily recommend Friday the Rabbi Slept Late to lovers of mysteries and/or rabbis.Īs I reread my review recently I realized that I was so enthusiastic about the book because I had identified with Rabbi David Small, Jewish Scholar, rather than with Rebbetzin Miriam Small, Jewish Housewife. These are aspects of rabbinic life not taught at the seminary. Rebbetzin Small goes around the house every Sunday picking up, dusting, etc. “The puzzle is a good one but the best part of this and any Small tale is the wondrous warmth and assurance of the portrayal of Jews and Judaism,” wrote the reviewer from The New York Times Book Review.Īfter I read Friday the Rabbi Slept Late in 1965,I, too, wrote an enthusiastic review, published in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. For many reviewers and readers it is not the mysteries themselves but their Jewish content and color which have made the books significant. All have been reviewed by the most reputable newspapers and magazines (sometimes on the front page of The New York Times Book Review!), where much emphasis was placed on the fact that Rabbi Small uses Jewish scholarship in his detective work. The Rabbi Small books have had a significance far and beyond what could be expected of a mystery series. Each book has made it to the bestseller lists in hardcover and has been reprinted in paperback to be sold by the millions, and Friday has been translated into other languages. At subsequent intervals of about two and a half years, Rabbi Small went hungry, stayed home, took off, saw red and got wet. Harry Kemelman’s Friday the Rabbi Slept Late came upon the publishing scene in 1964. (All Fawcett Crest Paperbacks) by Harry Kemelman

Friday the rabbi slept late