The Rabbi, his wife, and young son head to Israel for three months--without pay! This gives the rabbi a chance to unravel an Israeli death and the author a chance to tell us all about Israel. Quite interesting and at least it's a change from the formula of the first three books, although there is still the usual band of synagogue idiots trying to replace the rabbi, this time with his slick substitute--who looks like a rabbi! ( )

Reading dates for this entire series will look weird because selecting the right edition on this site is extremely horribly hard. ( )

Read after long urging by spouse, this is ... a great book! As to the mystery part, maybe not so much (2/3 of the way through the book we have a crime, but it seems ... perfunctory? ) The value is the deep, but conversational / approachable view of Judaism propounded throughout the book- from the Boston suburbs to the narrow streets of old Jerusalem (the rabbi is taking a 3 month sabbatical). Leisurely paced, lots of quasi-comic politicking over the extension of the Rabbi's contract back home. The Rabbi feels connected to his religion in Israel, so much so that he is less committed to his scheduled norms- prayers, synagogue and the sabbath- Just being in Jerusalem is enough he says over and over again. As to the "mystery" ... eh.... he seems something in a photograph that exonerates his friend's son- so we're all happy. That gets wrapped up in about 3 paragraphs. So--- why call this a mystery? i don't know. ( )

cultural-exploration, cultural-heritage, Israel, Jewish, amateur-sleuth, law-enforcement, church-politics, investigation, family-dynamics, friendship, situational-humor*****

Originally published January 1, 1972, this story is timely for 2021 just as it was then. After six years without a vacation Rabbi Small really needs to take his family with him and take a sabbatical in Israel to recharge his batteries and gain a new perspective on the politics within his congregation. A retired Rabbi is brought in temporarily and (if you believe in coincidences) the wife's brother and his son are in Israel and run afoul of authorities there. Excellent observations and critical thinking are required for sleuthing and infinite patience is required at the home synagogue. Very well done!
George Guidell is the calm narrator with a wry sense of humor. ( )

Monday the Rabbi Took Off By Harry Kemelman
Series: Yes Book 4 in the Rabbi Small Mystery Series
Format: Hardcover
Star 4
Recommend: Yes
Would Reread: Yes

Much better then the last book Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home. But again
like the last book its dose not have much of a mystery.
I really enjoyed the Israel setting in this one. Its a nice change of pace.

I give honest reviews and all my opinions are my own.

For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books
https://heavenlyhighseasbooks.blogspot.com/



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