The Golem is a kind of Jewish superhero whose exploits live on in Jewish legend. Powerless for much of their history, the Jewish People hoped for divine rescue, mediated in this case by one of the great Jewish mystics. The Golem appeared in many stories and even in modern comic books.
Rabbi Starr will trace the development of the Golem in literature and art, including Michael Chabon's treatment of this creature in "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" (the 2012 selection for One Book, One Town: Sharon Reads Together). Not only was the Golem a powerful influence on the comic books created by the novel's leading characters, it also served as a poignant symbol of the Jewish lives and culture that were under assault by the Nazi regime.
Rabbi Starr's presentation will take place at the Sharon Public Library, downstairs in the Cynthia B. Fox Community Room. The program will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13.