dated, corny, yet engaging and entertaining

Remember when the men used to tell "their" womenfolk to make the guests coffee? Remember when temple/church were community cornerstones? Gender, ethnic and racially defined roles make this series a social history lesson (and in some places a caricature), but the novels still stand as cozy mysteries with the wise Rabbi-sleuth making astute observation on human nature, even if some of the social roles being filled by the humans are outdated.

George Guidall voices the series well. I listened to the first three, and I think after a break, I'll return to Barnard's Crossing and Rabbi Small's world. I'm just glad, as a women, I don't have to live there. I remember these titles from the bookstores of my youth and I'm glad to have an opportunity to listen to another classic religious-sleuth.

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I'm done with this series

I have been listening to this series in order. I listened to half of this book (3 hours), and finally lost interest. I got tired of listening to the pettiness and bickering going on between the men who are members of the temple - who gets to sit in the most important seats, who donates more money to the temple than the others, and then trying to manipulate the rabbi to persuade him to do what they want, much like a bunch of children. At the halfway point in the book, the crime had still not occurred. I'm disappointed, because I thought this series would be a nice addition to my library. I enjoyed George Guidall's narration, as always, The book contains some undesirable language, but no f-bombs.

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Timely for 2021

amateur-sleuth, law-enforcement, small-town, Jewish, Jewish-law, murder, murder-investigation, suspicion*****

I think that the publisher's blurb should be rewritten after all these years. Originally published June 1, 1969, this story is timely for 2021 just as it was then. The attitude of the Jewish and non-Jewish people of Barnard's Crossing, Massachusetts might just surprise some of the current protesters.
The story begins with synagogue politics near Passover and moves into murder and marijuana sales with local college students in the middle. The local police tend toward a nonresident, but Rabbi Small has no such agenda. Good story and particularly apt.
George Guidall is well suited as narrator.

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Great book

Wonderful story that I enjoy listening to over and over. I feel like Rabbi Small is an old friend.

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Although dated, this series is wonderful

This series of little books of small town life featuring the town rabbi are compelling and lovely.
This is set in the early '60s before the vast social challenges began to tumble social structure, and yes there is
a bit of that intruding in the dependable middle class life of northeast New England.
The Rabbi is a wonderful figure of leadership, and sets the standard for guidance not only for his
congregation, but even to the reader. Although he is very young, in his first congregation, he is wise beyond his years,
and some of the conversations in these books have much to teach us even now.

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Skip this one

Any additional comments?

I think I may be Rabbi Smalled out. The story line surrounded a teen that was taking, and about to start pushing drugs - not a theme I enjoy at all.
I dropped it.
Maybe "Monday" with Rabbi Small may prove to be a better day in the week?

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Not the best but good

I enjoy this series but the plot wasn't quite as clever as in other Rabbi tales.

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Roots for Jews

Love it although it’s dated. One must realize the times when it was written and then can forgive some anachronisms.

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Great series!!

I really enjoy the mystery… how it’s all set up!
Characters are interesting and the times it is set in …. Sadly i wish I could have a conversation with the Rabbi and share some of my interpretations of several Old Testament scriptures….🤷🏻‍♀️… I sometimes get caught up in the fiction‼️

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Refreshingly fun

These books are really well done. 60 years have not made them at all anachronistic. This was a refreshing read.

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