Friday Night with the Pope

By Jacques J.M. Shore and Amalia Hoffman

Friday Night with the Pope is based on the author's personal experience with the late Pope John Paul II when he visited the Holy Father at his Vatican residence in June 2003. The author chose to share... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9652293709
• ISBN13: 9789652293701
• Release Date: November 2018
• Publisher: Gefen Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.6" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 8 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 8

Customer Reviews

Children's Book Encourages Interfaith Bridge Building

The papacy of John Paul II will be remembered for many high points. Now, thanks to children's book entitled Friday Night with the Pope young readers can learn about the tremendous efforts at Jewish Catholic reconciliation made by this amazing man. Friday Night with the Pope tells the story of author Jacques Shore's 2003 encounter with the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II in the Vatican residence. Accompanied by his mother Lena, Shore shared a Shabbat celebration with the pope. The story is retold fictitiously through the eyes of 11 year old Jacob. Shore shares the following comments on recounting the events from a child's perspective: "I wanted to share the story through the eyes of a young boy because many of us felt like children in the presence of the late Pontiff. I also believe that my story, which explains the lessons of the Pope, would be better understood by children reading what happened during that Friday night Shabbat dinner. By children understanding the truths expressed in this book, I am confident that they may be better able to share the Pope's lessons. It is my wish that it will build bridges among all people on Earth." Jacob is brimming with excitement as he and his mother enter the Vatican to share this special evening. As they walk, Lena shares stories of her childhood friend, Karol Wojtyla. She remembers her friend as a young man who loved sports and was always tried to build bridges between both Jewish and Catholic teammates. She shares that Karol, becoming Pope John Paul II, went on to continue his efforts to build relationships as the first pope to make an official visit to a synagogue or to visit Auschwitz. Jacob speaks with the Pope about his call to the priesthood and a life of serving God and others. In a beautiful section of the book, the Pope invited Jacob to say the special Kiddush blessing for their Shabbat meal together. Over the course of the meal, Jacob learns much about the Pope and his hopes and dreams for a united world where all people, regardless of religion or ethnicity, care for one another. In taking leave, Jacob is encouraged by Pope John Paul II to share with others the need for a world filled with a spirit of love and friendship. Beautiful illustrations by Amalia Hoffman set off the gently loving tone of Friday Night with the Pope. In sharing this story with readers of any faith, Jacques Shore has answered Pope John Paul II's invitation to share in the dream of a world united in love and caring. I recommend this book for readers ages five and up and compliment the wonderful message of hope and reconciliation reinforced in this story.

Friday Night with the Pope

This is a lovely picture book for bridging understanding between Jews and Catholics. It is based on a true story about Pope John Paul II, as told through the eyes of a young boy named Jacob. Pope John Paul II invites Jacob and his mother to Shabbat dinner at the Vatican. On the way, Jacob's mother shares stories about the Pope, who was her childhood friend back in Poland. She proudly tells Jacob about the Pope's good will toward the Jewish community. When they arrive at the Vatican, Jacob and his mother are kindly welcomed by Pope John Paul II. . The Pope appears well versed in the celebration of Shabbat and the friends enjoy a lovely meal, including prayers over wine and bread. Based on the true story of the author and his family, this book is heart warming and touching. The Pope's words and actions clearly inspire young Jacob. The soft, pastel colored illustrations add to the gentle appeal of the story. For ages 6-10. Reviewed by Barbara Bietz

The Bridge to Understanding ...

This book is a wonderful introduction for children ages 7 - 12 to learn about two different religious traditions. It shows the means to build understanding and tolerance. The book would be of great benefit to parents, one of whom is of the Catholic faith and the other of Jewish faith. The book clearly illustrates how the leader of the Catholic Church welcomes a Jewish boy and his mother to his residence for a Friday night Sabbath meal. Parents could use the book as a basis to explain how the foundations of both religions are based on the same ancient teachings ... The book would also be beneficial in any teaching situation where core religious beliefs and values are taught, for example, at any Protestant Sunday School. The foundation of Christianity is based on ancient Jewish teaching and traditions. Experiencing a Sabbath meal and learning about the prayers associated with the event is an ideal way to connect to the roots of Christianity ... It is a way to develop respect for these traditions. The author as an adult and his mother Lena actually had such a meal with Pope John Paul II. His mother grew up in Poland and was a Holocaust survivor. She knew the Pope when he was growing up. The book clearly makes a strong statement about the Pope's friendship with people of different religious backgrounds and that faith in G-d supercedes whatever differences exist in belief systems. Erika Borsos (pepper flower)

A touching tale with magnificent illustrations

The message of this childrens book, though adults will equally enjoy it, of religious tolerance and understanding is brought over with such sensitivity and as such I found it very touching. The book's magnificant illustrations reflect the sensitivity of the story and their detail add to the pleasure of reading this book. As an educator and story teller I recommend this book for children and parents alike.

beautiful story of conciliation between two great religions

This is a great children's book. It is a beautiful story of conciliation between two great religions. It is a story about hope. And in today's scary world, it is a story about peace. This is something well worth reading to children. Also -- the illustrations are marvelous. They are so intricate and wonderful -- I can stare at them for hours. Even after the 4th or 5th time looking at one of the pictures, you'll see something new in the drawings.