The Pirate Rabbi

A high-seas adventure about living your dreams and doing what's right to help others inspired by the real-life Samuel Pallache, a Moroccan-born Jewish leader and sailor.

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!

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.