The Pirate Rabbi

"Children who like adventure stories or have an interest in pirates will be drawn to this amusing take on a little-known historical figure named Samuel Pallache, a Sephardic merchant from Morocco who became a rabbi in Amsterdam in the late 1500s. The tale of a rabbi sailing the seas to rescue captured Jews takes a number of liberties with historical accuracy to tell a story that mostly emphasizes righteous behavior and kindness to others. 'Rabbi Sam' grows up in an unnamed country doing good deeds like his own rabbi father but secretly longing for adventure. When asked by a local prince for advice on how to save captured prisoners, Rabbi Sam offers to select a crew and sail his own ship to help. The author uses some slapstick humor and funny asides to embellish the story and amuse readers ('Ahoy-vey,' anyone?). The excellent illustrations are essential to the success of the book. They are colorful, large, and true to the time period, particularly the clothing and the depiction of the ships and ports. A particularly interesting part of the book is the short author's note, which tells a bit about the real Sam Pallache and includes the image of him from a 1635 Rembrandt painting now located in the National Gallery of Art. The Pirate Rabbi is recommended for all schools and libraries and suggested for use in discussions regarding the virtues of helping, kindness, and courage."

—Association of Jewish Libraries

"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 Society