The Golem of Prague

The Golem of Prague is a legendary creature that has been an important part of Jewish folklore for centuries. Legend has it that the creature was created by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, also known as the Maharal of Prague, in the late 16th century. 

The Rabbi created The Golem to protect the Jewish community of Prague from anti-Semitic attacks and this role as protector is a key part of the Golem story. 

Prague has a long and complex Jewish history that dates back centuries. In the Middle Ages, Prague was home to the second largest Jewish communities in Europe, and Jews played a prominent role in the city’s cultural and economic life. However, this period of relative prosperity was followed by a series of violent anti-Semitic attacks that culminated in the destruction of the Jewish Quarter during the Thirty Years’ War (1618 – 1648).

Despite this devastating blow, Prague’s Jewish community continued to survive and thrive. The community was able to rebuild and establish a new Jewish Quarter, which became a centre of Jewish life and culture in Central Europe. However, the community continued to face persecution and discrimination, particularly during times of political and social upheaval. In 1745 the entire Jewish population was expelled by Marie Theresa of Austria, who accused them of collaborating with the Prussians. The Jews were permitted to return in 1748 but it wasn’t until the 1781 Ediict of Toleration that the community was permitted to participate in all aspects of trade and the arts. 

The most notorious and deadly anti-Semitism in Prague occurred during the Nazi occupation of the city in World War II. During this time, the Jewish community was forced to wear identifying badges and was eventually deported to concentration camps, where the vast majority were murdered.

According to the legend, the Golem was created by Rabbi Loew by using mystical Hebrew letters to form a creature out of clay. The Golem was said to be incredibly strong and was programmed to protect the Jewish community of Prague from anti-Semitic attacks. The legend also states that the Golem was given life by inscribing the Hebrew word “emet” (truth) on its forehead.

The Golem quickly became a beloved figure in Jewish folklore, and its story was passed down from generation to generation. The Golem was said to have protected the Jewish community from various threats, including fires, floods, and violent attacks. It was also said to have helped Rabbi Loew with various tasks, such as carrying heavy objects and running errands.

However, the legend of the Golem also has a dark side. The creature was said to be uncontrollable, and there are stories of it causing destruction and chaos within the Jewish community. There are also stories of the Golem turning on its creator and becoming a threat to the very people it was created to protect.

Despite its mixed reputation, the legend of the Golem has had a significant impact on Jewish culture and folklore. The creature has been featured in numerous books, plays, and movies, and its story continues to be retold to this day. 

The Golem has also become a symbol of Jewish resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and its legend has played an important role in Jewish identity and history.

At High Speed History, we celebrate The Golem and it’s protector role and created our Golem design to show our opposition to fascism and racism, both in the past and today.