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Saturday the Rabbi Slept Late

I read these years ago and decided to revisit.  Very enjoyable,  Kemelman blends lessons on Judaism with a mystery.  In this book, Yom Kippur is (gently) explained, as is the ins-and-outs of a Rabbi's relationship with his synagogue, both the members and the administration.

The death is Isaac Hirsh, a mathematician who goes on benders now and again.  This time he comes upon a bottle when his neighbor is out and the deliveryman leaves it with Hirsh.

Hirsh has a young wife, is a mathematician, is non-observant.  He drinks the liquor, intending to but a bottle to replace it for his neighbor.  He throws away the box/address label.

So . . . probably poisoned liquor intended for the neighbor, Levenson.

Other characters:  and old guy, Garafosky or some such, who refuses to break the Yom Kippur fast to take his medicine.  Rabbi Small explains he's actually breaking Hebrew law by NOT taking it, but the old guy is stubborn and actually enjoys the argument.  Rabbi is at odds with the president of the synagogue because . . .   not clear yet.

Very fun, and short.

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