The Golem (urspr publ 1969; utgåvan 1982)

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.

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 great for 5th-8th graders. ( )

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