Chajim Bloch (1881–1973)

Some quotes I found interesting:

From the Chapter called "Rabbi Loew's Utterances on the Golem" [pp. 200-203]:
* There is no trace of good or bad instinct in the Golem, and all his actions are only like those of an automatic machine, that fulfills the will of its creator.

* The Golem had to be dumb, because, as an incomplete creation, he was unworthy that the Neshamah, the light of God, dwell within him. He was inhabited only by Nefesh (sensory being) and Ruach (spirit).

* There could be lent to the Golem only a small portion of intelligence, Daat (knowledge). The other two intelligences, Chochmah (wisdom) and Bina (judgment), he could not be supplied with at all, because, as said above, there was no Neshamah dwelling in his being.

* The Golem was never ill, for he was immune from every impulse to do evil.

* . . . . the Golem, who, as said above, had no impulse [good or bad], could, like the animals and birds, demons and spirits, see all hidden things.

* The Golem could not be counted in a Minyan.… (más)

Not a bad book, but not fabulous either. I got it in a souvenir store when visiting Prague, because I'm Jewish and I enjoy myths/legends/historical tales, so it seemed like an interesting find. It was a quick simple read about the legend of the Golem. Probably not worth the money, as similar stories are all over the place, including Wikipedia and whatnot, and there's tons of slight variations to the myth of Golem, so it's not like any one text is better.

In other words, this was a decent read, but don't bother seeking it out.… (más)