The Pirate Rabbi
Published on 2. October 2025
Book
Hardback
32 pages
978-1-68115-618-7 (ISBN)
Description
"This sweet story speaks to a child's wish for adventure, while also showing how kindness matters." --The Historical Novel Society
Inspired by the real-life Samuel Pallache, a Moroccan-born Jewish leader and sailor, comes a high-seas adventure about living your dreams and doing what's right to help others by the author of Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur.
In 16th-century Amsterdam, Sam was torn between two goals. He wanted to grow up to be a rabbi, wise and kind like his father. But he couldn't help but wish for the excitement of being a legendary pirate.
"Boats are fun," his father said. "But helping people is more meaningful."
Years passed, and Sam grew up to be a rabbi. He taught his community, bringing them joy and comfort. But when the prince enlists Sam's help to save captured people, he knows what he must do. Setting sail with his crew, Sam is determined to save his community, and even change the minds of some pirates along the way.
An author's note tells the history of Samuel Pallache, the values he lived his life by, and even includes pirate fun facts!
Inspired by the real-life Samuel Pallache, a Moroccan-born Jewish leader and sailor, comes a high-seas adventure about living your dreams and doing what's right to help others by the author of Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur.
In 16th-century Amsterdam, Sam was torn between two goals. He wanted to grow up to be a rabbi, wise and kind like his father. But he couldn't help but wish for the excitement of being a legendary pirate.
"Boats are fun," his father said. "But helping people is more meaningful."
Years passed, and Sam grew up to be a rabbi. He taught his community, bringing them joy and comfort. But when the prince enlists Sam's help to save captured people, he knows what he must do. Setting sail with his crew, Sam is determined to save his community, and even change the minds of some pirates along the way.
An author's note tells the history of Samuel Pallache, the values he lived his life by, and even includes pirate fun facts!
Reviews / Votes
Young Sam can't decide whether he wants to become a rabbi like his father, or go to sea as a pirate. "Helping people is more meaningful," his father says. As an adult, Sam is indeed a rabbi. But one day, Sam gets his wish to go to sea. He and his crew sail in search of townspeople who have been kidnapped.Inspired by the life of Samuel Pallache (c.1550-1616), who was both a Jewish leader and a pirate, this sweet story speaks to a child's wish for adventure, while also showing how kindness matters. Ages 5-8. --The Historical Novel SocietyMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Behrman House Inc.,U.S.
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 6 years
Product notice
Picture book
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 272 mm
Width: 234 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-68115-618-7 (9781681156187)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
David Sherrin is a national-award-winning teacher at Scarsdale High School in Scarsdale, New York. His debut picture book, Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur, had featured reviews in Kirkus, Jewish Books for Kids, and the Jewish Book Council. He is also the author of several books about teaching history including The Classes They Remember: Using Role-Plays to Bring Social Studies and English to Life. David lives in Tarrytown, New York.
Barbara DiLorenzo's?first picture book was?Renato and the Lion, which received a starred review from?Booklist?and was named a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, a Junior Library Guild selection, and a CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she has taught at the Arts Council of Princeton and the New York Institute of Art + Design. She lives in central New Jersey.
Barbara DiLorenzo's?first picture book was?Renato and the Lion, which received a starred review from?Booklist?and was named a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, a Junior Library Guild selection, and a CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she has taught at the Arts Council of Princeton and the New York Institute of Art + Design. She lives in central New Jersey.