Conversations with Rabbi Small

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I'm not familiar with the other Rabbi Small books, which are apparently mysteries. Conversations With Rabbi Small provides a thorough examination of the Jewish religion. As the title suggests, most of the novel covers a series of conversations between Rabbi Small and a couple, Aaron and Joan. Aaron is Jewish; Joan is Christian, but is considering converting for the sake of her impending marriage. Aaron is not a religious Jew, but a scientist with an atheistic bent. Rabbi Small takes it upon himself to "convert" Aaron by explaining how Judaism is actually perfectly compatible with science and reason. As a non-Jew (and nonChristian actually) with an avid interest in history, philosophy and religion, I found Conversations to be a good source of information. One caveat --some non-Jews, especially religious Christians, may find some of the Rabbi's views objectionable. To paraphrase one passage, for example: "Christianity is a religion for dying, Judaism for living." He is similarly (and predictably) biased concerning the Arab-Israeli conflict. And if he is less than charitable towards Christianity, he (the author, that is, speaking as Rabbi Small) shows very little understanding of either Eastern religions or mysticism, both of which are simplistically equated with mere escapism. Rabbi Small represents a particular sect of Judaism, the conservative branch. He is critical of Jews who believe in life after death and any form of mysticism (thus dismissing virtually the entire Kabbalistic tradition). Yet, while all these points may be debated, they don't really detract from the book. Indeed, it wouldn't be realistic to have a devout conservative Rabbi give equal treatment to other traditions. History does, after all, give Jews good reason to be suspicious of Christians. And the biases that are present are openly admitted (e.g. Rabbi Small doesn't claim to speak for all Jews). Conversations is in the tradition of the Platonic dialogues, with Aaron and Joan playing, to some extent, shills for the wise Socratic Rabbi. The book is well written, with enough external distractions from the dialogue to remind the reader that these are real people, not merely disembodied intellects.

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