The Golem (Singer novel) facts for kids
First English edition
publ. 1982 Farrar Straus Giroux |
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| Author | Isaac Bashevis Singer |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | Yiddish |
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Publication date
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1969 |
| Media type | |
The Golem is a fascinating novel written by Isaac Bashevis Singer. It was first published in 1969 in a newspaper called The Jewish Daily Forward. Later, in 1981, it was rewritten and translated into English, making it available to more readers. This book tells an old Jewish legend about a magical being.
Contents
What is a Golem?
A Golem is a creature from Jewish folklore. It is usually made of clay or mud. A Golem is brought to life through magic. It is often created to protect Jewish communities. These stories are very old. They show how people thought about power and responsibility.
How is a Golem created?
In legends, a Golem is made by a wise rabbi. The rabbi uses special rituals and Hebrew words. Often, the word "Emet" (meaning "truth") is written on its forehead. This word gives the Golem life. To make the Golem stop, the first letter of "Emet" is erased. This changes the word to "Met," which means "death."
Famous Golem Legends
The most famous Golem story comes from Prague. It tells of Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel. He was a great scholar in the 16th century. He created a Golem to protect the Jewish people. This Golem helped defend the community from danger. It is a powerful symbol of strength.
About the Author: Isaac Bashevis Singer
Isaac Bashevis Singer was a famous writer. He was born in Poland in 1902. Later, he moved to the United States. He wrote many books and stories. Most of his works were written in Yiddish. This is a language spoken by many Jewish people.
Singer's Writing Style
Singer often wrote about Jewish life. He included folklore, magic, and deep ideas. His stories are known for being imaginative. They often explore big questions about life and faith. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1978. This award recognized his amazing writing.
The Story of The Golem
Singer's novel, The Golem, retells the classic legend. It brings the old tale to life for new readers. The book explores what happens when humans create life. It looks at the good and bad sides of such power. The story is set in a time long ago. It shows the challenges faced by Jewish communities.
Themes in the Book
The Golem explores several important ideas. It looks at the idea of creation. It also touches on the nature of good and evil. The book makes readers think about responsibility. What happens when a creation gets out of control? These themes make the book interesting for teens.
Why Read This Book?
The Golem is a great book for young readers. It introduces them to a rich part of history. It also shares a classic piece of folklore. The story is exciting and thought-provoking. It can help readers understand different cultures. It also encourages thinking about big ideas.
