Read Online That Day the Rabbi Left Town by Harry Kemelman - Free Book Online

Come along then.” He extricated himself from behind his desk and came around to the rabbi, who had risen. Putting his arm across his shoulder, he propelled him to the door.
    The meeting was being held in a large hall on the first floor. It was immediately apparent to the rabbi that not all the faculty were there. He looked around for someone he might know; one or two looked vaguely familiar, but they showed no sign of recognition when they saw him, so he did not approach them, reflecting that they were probably people he had seen in the corridors, or perhaps in the faculty cafeteria when he had gone there for an occasional cup of coffee when he was last at Windermere years ago. He looked around for Roger Fine, the one faculty member he did know, but Fine evidently had decided not to attend.
    Although some were seated, most were standing around in small groups, chatting about how they had spent the summer, or of conferences they had attended. When Dr. Cardleigh ascended the platform at the end of the hall, many of those standing took seats. He came forward to the lectern in front of the platform and said, “All right, ladies and gentlemen, please take seats so we can proceed. I asked to have a copy of the catalog placed on each seat, but I’ve got a pile up here if any of you missed out on one. The new catalogs won’t be delivered for at least a week, I understand, so it’s important with registration tomorrow that you be informed of the changes that have been made. If you’ll turn to page eleven, you will note that Freshman English is no longer required of all freshmen. Those with a B or better average in English in their senior year in high school are exempt.”
    â€œBut can they take it if they want to?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œFor credit?”
    â€œCertainly. Any more—er—questions?”
    The rabbi sensed that he had almost said “foolish questions.” A white-haired man sitting in the first row rose and held up his hand.
    â€œYes, Professor Kent?”
    â€œI think, Dr. Cardleigh, that because this change is so radical a departure from collegiate tradition and practice, the rationale for it should be explained. I am prepared at this time—”
    â€œYes, yes, Professor, but I’m afraid we don’t have time for it right now,” said Cardleigh. “Not if we are planning to have lunch at the usual time. Anyone who objects to the change can see Professor Kent, or the head of the department, Professor Sugrue, and discuss it with him.”
    â€œVery well,” said Kent stiffly.
    There was a chuckle or two, and someone behind the rabbi whispered to his neighbor, “Cardleigh is the only one who stands up to him.”
    â€œNow if you’ll turn to page fifteen,” the dean went on, “please note that Professor Haynes will be on sabbatical this year. His course will be taught by Professor Blanchard.”
    It went on until they had worked their way through the entire catalog. Then Cardleigh read a list of those who had been dropped, which included two instructors who had taught Freshman English and who were no longer needed since the course was no longer required.
    Then Cardleigh announced the new members of the faculty, and each in turn rose and received a scattering of applause. When it came Rabbi Small’s turn, Cardleigh said, “Rabbi Small taught here a few years ago. He is now back to head up the new Department of Judaica. This semester he will give one course in Judaic Philosophy, which comes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at eleven. He will also be in his office, the former Freshman English office, for several hours every day for those who might wish to consult him. A word of warning to student advisers who have to approve student programs: Rabbi Small’s course will not be a snap course. As he demonstrated when he was last here, students in his course are expected to work, and to work hard.”
    The meeting