The Golem [short fiction]

A member of the Jewish community in old Prague is accused of ritual murder, the judges are on the side of the denouncers and a pogrom threatens. The wise Rabbi Löw, not only a Talmudic scholar but also a friend of magic and mysticism, has a vision during the midnight intercession: he will mould a giant golem out of clay that can save the Jews from mortal danger.
After fulfilling the golem's mission, the rabbi is unable to destroy the golem again. The golem increasingly developed human traits, which led to certain situations becoming absurd.
I like legends and this one also had its charm and humour, even if the subject is very serious.

The master story is dedicated to "the persecuted and oppressed in the world, in the hope against all hope show more that the time of false accusations will one day end". show less

When a member of the community is falsely accused of kidnapping and murder, Rabbi Leib prays. He is told to make a golem, but be careful what you wish for. . .
The writing of this tale is beautiful. Singer has a wonderful way with this type of prose. Although, the fact that there was a Golem of Prague is common, it's not as well known in gentile circles. The way this version is told kept the pages turning and was very interesting. THe pictures are also lovely. The black and white emphasizes the grim nature of life in the Jewish ghetto while still keeping a sense of the fairy tale.
There are some violent ideas (children's blood baked into matzohs) that are probably unsuitable for young elementary school students, but this book would be show more great for 5th-8th graders. show less

I always heard about it growing up, but never read it. I came across an illustrated hardcover at a used book sale. I'll have to read more of Singer's work because this story was great.

Origin in Yiddish. Tale of rabbi commanded to make a Golem for a wrongly accused respected banker.

Boxed copy # 238 of limited edition of 450 copies, signed by the author and the illustrator