Friday Night with the Pope [Hardcover]

Jacques J.M. Shore (Author), Amalia Hoffman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

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 the story through the eyes of a young boy because he felt that he was like a child in the presence of the late Pontiff.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"We are grateful to Jacques Shore for this personal little story, one which is so significant for capturing - because it keeps him alive - the Great Spirit who was John Paul II." --His Excellency the Most Reverend Luigi Ventura Endorsement

"Who could believe that from an unlikely encounter, a child's story for adults could burst forth a resonating hope for peace, friendship, and profound respect? This Jacques Shore story will make you a believer." --Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka, Author, Scholar, TV Personality

"Thank you very much for your good thoughts to make approachable the wise words and blessings of the late Holy Father John Paul II and to share it with the children of all ages in the world." --Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop of Cracow

About the Author

Jacques Shore is a partner in the Advocacy Department and Government Relations Practice Group of Gowlings, Ltd.in Ottawa, Canada. Shore is a published writer, authoring articles on legal issues and public policy. He has also written commentaries for a variety of newspapers and journals including the Globe and Mail and Le Devoir. He is the author of a children's book titled, "Menorah in the Night Sky," (Gefen Publishing), which received an "Our Choice" Award from the Canadian Children's Book Centre in 2004. He is a member of the Writers Union of Canada

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Gefen Publishing House (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9652293709
• ISBN-13: 978-9652293701
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,442,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Children's Book Encourages Interfaith Bridge Building, July 27, 2007

By 

Lisa M. Hendey "Mom, Blogger, Podcaster, Author" (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Friday Night with the Pope (Hardcover)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bridge to Understanding ..., February 15, 2007

By 

Erika Borsos "pepper flower" (Gulf Coast of FL, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Friday Night with the Pope (Hardcover)

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)

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful story of conciliation between two great religions, November 27, 2006

By 

Auren Hoffman (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Friday Night with the Pope (Hardcover)

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.