This tour for schoolchildren aged 6 to 19 presents various aspects of the golem from its origins as a ritual in Jewish mysticism to its role as a subject of popular storytelling in film and digital realms.
A golem is a figure formed out of a lifeless substance such as dust or earth that is brought to life by ritual incantations and Hebrew letters. And then?
In many stories, the creature runs amok and the golem itself becomes a threat to the person who created it. Newer stories carry on the concept of an artificial creature that blends in because of its resemblance to a human being. But what is a human, anyway?
Imagine there were a code containing all the world’s knowledge. And you of all people have been chosen to carry that code within you. Or, to put it another way, you are the realization of one of humanity’s great dreams. You are immortal. You live in a world where you cannot go astray. What would you do?
With the support of the Friends of the Jewish Museum Berlin
Golem figures, 21st century; Jewish Museum Berlin, photo: Stefanie Haupt
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Events Accompanying the Exhibition: GOLEM (11)
GOLEM
Golem talks, workshops, readings, and film premiere: events for adults, kids, and families held during our Golem exhibition in 2016–17.
Long Museum Night
27 August 2016
The Golem is Coming! The Jewish legend figure has inspired artists and authors
Golem – The Legend of Man
13 September 2016
ARTE Film Première and Discussion
The Clay Giant's Alive!
Held on 8 and 9 October. A musical reading (in German) with the author Anke Kuhl, plus a visit to the golem workshop, for children aged 5 and older
The Golem is Coming
A vacation day all about golems for children aged 8 to 12 (in German)
Workshop
20 and 27 Oct 2016
Greetings from Golem
Exhibition tour and screen-printing workshop for adults and children 6 and older (in German)
Workshop
13 Nov 2016
Joshua Cohen:
You want a golem?
17 November 2016
Golem talks: Joshua Cohen reads from his highly-praised Book of Numbers.
Cathy Gelbin: The Golem Returns
1 December 2016
Golem talks: The slide presentation examines the special role of the golem for the formation of a modern Jewish culture and identity.
Guided Tour for School Students
Program for school groups, ages 6 to 19
Guided Tour
2016/17
Tour for Adults
A one-hour group program
For Preschool and Afterschool Groups
A program for school groups and after-school groups, ages 7 and older, who want to built their own golem
Workshop
2016/17
Public guided tour for adults
Every Sunday (23 September–29 January 2017), 2 pm