Harry Kemelman (1908-1996)

One of the “clerical sleuths,” Rabbi David Small of Barnard's Crossing, Massachussetts, is a wonderful character … and Harry Kemelman was himself a great teacher. Each book helps readers not familiar with the Jewish faith to understand its history and traditions.  In 1977, a short-lived television series based on the Rabbi Small books appeared on American television. Bruce Solomon played the Rabbi; Art Carney played Police Chief Paul Lanigan, a Catholic and friend of the Rabbi.

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Kemelman