The Golem is a character in Jewish folklore said to have been made from clay and magically brought to life by the famous Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel in order to protect the Jews from persecution during the sixteenth century. The Golem of Prague remains one of the most celebrated stories in Jewish lore, symbolizing the historic plight of the Jews and their will to survive.
The Classic Legend of the Golem and Its Origins
Perhaps the most commonly related version of the Golem legend takes place in Prague, during the late 16th century and revolves around various "first-hand" accounts collected by Jewish writers living in Germany during the early 1800s.
Significantly, none of the documents written at the time the legend supposedly occurred mention a relationship between Rabbi Loew and the creation of a Golem, whether in the Rabbi's personal writings or by the people around him. A lack of substantial historical evidence suggests that the famous Golem of Prague is a fictional tale inspired by Jewish folklore. The tale has been passed down from generation to generation over centuries, with the tale reemerging as part of an early 19th century literary movement in Germany.
The legend tells that Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II administered a blood libel against the Jews living in the ghetto, certifying a mass expulsion from their homes, if not face certain death. Historically, blood libels were fabricated claims against minorities, particularly the Jews, accusing them of murdering children for use of their blood during holy ceremonies. In response to this devastating allegation, Rabbi Judah Loew, master of the Kabbalah and the intrinsic leader of the Jewish community, collected mud from the banks of the Vltava River to mold the Golem.
A golem is a man made from clay who is brought to life through magical practices exclusive to the holiest rabbis who were considered nearest God, thus endowed with restrictive powers to create life. This concept appears in critical Jewish texts such as the Talmud, in regard to the creation of Adam, as well as the Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Creation).
Once brought to life, the Golem was assigned to guard the Jewish community from eminent attack, meanwhile performing menial tasks for Rabbi Loew. Its presence became known quickly throughout the ghetto as residents were equally relieved and frightened by the dull-minded hulk. Nevertheless, attempts to seize the ghetto were continuously halted as Gentiles met their demise at the hand of the Golem. Rudolf II agreed to withdraw the blood libel if only the Golem be restrained.
Although Rabbi Loew succeeded in saving his people, the sentient guardian he'd brought into the world became less controllable over time, bringing havoc to the Jewish village. Rabbi Loew had no choice but to return the golem back to its lifeless state. Supposedly, the golem was later stored in the attic of the Altneu Synagogue in Prague, where it remains today.
Sources
- Bilski, Emily D. Golem! Danger, Deliverance and Art. New York: Eastern Press, 1988.
- Goldsmith, Arnold L. The Golem Remembered, 1909-1980. Detroit, Michigan: Wayne State University Press, 1981.
Abraham Cooper - Abraham Cooper was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona where he continues to live. He is an avid historian, poet, illustrator, photographer ...
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