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Symbolism in -Golem-
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From: Karen L. Simonetti <karensue>
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 1997 12:06:56 -0600
Like JoAnn Portalupi, I am a new subscriber to this listserve so, I?ve been lurking and reading the past archives (according to the CCBC-NET Protocol and Courtesies) while waiting for the discussion to begin?however, having complied the below information (for my own use of -Golem- & during discussion on the ChildLit listserve), I thought the below might be helpful for those still thinking about -Golem-. (The part where I think I?m supposed to "introduce myself" is at the bottom of this post.)
OH! I was surprised, but very pleased with the -Golem- pick. I agree with Kathleen (Horning) that one of the great things about -Golem- is that is
"reminds us that picture books are not just for preschoolers anymore." Already, I have used -Golem- in classrooms (Grades 7-8) and multigenerational settings. The response to both the story and illustrations have been strong: I guess what is most pleasant "using" this book is that readers of all ages "react" immediately; have an opinion and want to know more. Hence, the below items of interest:
My mother (who yes, does have a name, Devra R. Jacobson) is a self-taught folk artist and most of her pieces deal with Judaic themes, discussed the artwork in -Golem- and I thought you all might like another perspective:
1. The dry river bed underneath the title page: is the right hand of God. According to Jewish tradition, it is a strong hand of protection and the hand the brought the Jews out of slavery (Moses, Pharaoh and the story of Passover).
2. On the page where the Golem is told to wrap the cloak around himself, she immediately saw Moses (Rabbi Loew figure being) and the tablets of the Ten Commandants on the Golem?s chest.
3. On the next page, where Rabbi Lowe and the Golem are in the attic, look carefully at the lantern below the Rabbi: It?s a bunch of hearts. Legend has it that two rams horns were put together (forming a heart shape) and that after the first temple was destroyed the Torah was leaned against these horns during ancient prayer or study.
4. (Here?s where I think my Mom struck "gold"?okay, she?s my Mom) On the page where the "first wave of attackers screamed in terror when they saw Golem", in the Golem?s right hand is an object and if you look at the lighter, tan portion it forms the Hebrew letter "Shin"). And quoting from, pp.60a of -The Book of Letters, a Mystical Alef?it- by Lawrence Kushner
( New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1975): "Something of Shin is shattering. The breaking of the primeval vessel. The discord and confusion which is the beginning of growing. And then trying to get it all back together again. Sound the great ram?s horn. Bring home from exile all those who have been banished. Gather together all the broken pieces. Shin is the letter just before the end. The restoration of all the scattered shards. On the door post of every Jewish home there is a Shin. This is the Shin of Shaddai, God?s most mysterious name." (FYI: The Shin is on the Mezuzah, a little box containing a Jewish prayer posted on the door frames on Jewish homes?well, it varies according to tradition and practice.)
KLS QUESTION: Wisniewski?s Note at the end of the book was a good; but do you all think he should have incorporated more the symbolic information, too? Or maybe something simple, like a Hebrew alphabet legend?
Hopes this adds a bit to everyone?s reading and use of Golem and about my descriptions, well, sorry I only review the books without the pictures?cannot describe art work very well at all. If anyone wants further information regarding Jewish practice and custom (as illustrated in the book), please feel free to email me directly.
I hope this first post wasn?t too long or off point,but I really believe that -Golem- is worthy of the Caldecott. Wisniewski?s style is always powerful, but in -Golem- he does a superb job of incorporating traditional & original symbolism.
Karen Simonetti phone: 312.337.7114 email: karensue at mcs.net
THIS IS THE BORING PART: BUT I THINK I?M SUPPOSED TO "INTRODUCE MYSELF." I?m a Contributing Reviewer for "Booklist" doing primarily YA Repeats & original reviews for YA; do free-lance literature based programming for private & public schools (K), multigenerational storytelling (both oral storytelling and participatory) at a local nursing home; work with children with moderate learning disabilities; have a "database" of about 30 kids that I regularly talk to about books (& they not ALL of them are strong readers?but they all "buy" the discussion to talk with me in an informal setting, so I can "finish my homework"?the line I give them as to why we are sitting around my house looking at a book, before getting online and doing other "cool" stuff on the computer)?oh! and before that I was public librarian in a children?s department and yes, before that I practiced law. THE END.
Karen L. Simonetti email: karensue at mcs.net phone: 312.337.7114
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Mon 17 Mar 1997 12:06:56 PM CST
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 1997 12:06:56 -0600
Like JoAnn Portalupi, I am a new subscriber to this listserve so, I?ve been lurking and reading the past archives (according to the CCBC-NET Protocol and Courtesies) while waiting for the discussion to begin?however, having complied the below information (for my own use of -Golem- & during discussion on the ChildLit listserve), I thought the below might be helpful for those still thinking about -Golem-. (The part where I think I?m supposed to "introduce myself" is at the bottom of this post.)
OH! I was surprised, but very pleased with the -Golem- pick. I agree with Kathleen (Horning) that one of the great things about -Golem- is that is
"reminds us that picture books are not just for preschoolers anymore." Already, I have used -Golem- in classrooms (Grades 7-8) and multigenerational settings. The response to both the story and illustrations have been strong: I guess what is most pleasant "using" this book is that readers of all ages "react" immediately; have an opinion and want to know more. Hence, the below items of interest:
My mother (who yes, does have a name, Devra R. Jacobson) is a self-taught folk artist and most of her pieces deal with Judaic themes, discussed the artwork in -Golem- and I thought you all might like another perspective:
1. The dry river bed underneath the title page: is the right hand of God. According to Jewish tradition, it is a strong hand of protection and the hand the brought the Jews out of slavery (Moses, Pharaoh and the story of Passover).
2. On the page where the Golem is told to wrap the cloak around himself, she immediately saw Moses (Rabbi Loew figure being) and the tablets of the Ten Commandants on the Golem?s chest.
3. On the next page, where Rabbi Lowe and the Golem are in the attic, look carefully at the lantern below the Rabbi: It?s a bunch of hearts. Legend has it that two rams horns were put together (forming a heart shape) and that after the first temple was destroyed the Torah was leaned against these horns during ancient prayer or study.
4. (Here?s where I think my Mom struck "gold"?okay, she?s my Mom) On the page where the "first wave of attackers screamed in terror when they saw Golem", in the Golem?s right hand is an object and if you look at the lighter, tan portion it forms the Hebrew letter "Shin"). And quoting from, pp.60a of -The Book of Letters, a Mystical Alef?it- by Lawrence Kushner
( New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1975): "Something of Shin is shattering. The breaking of the primeval vessel. The discord and confusion which is the beginning of growing. And then trying to get it all back together again. Sound the great ram?s horn. Bring home from exile all those who have been banished. Gather together all the broken pieces. Shin is the letter just before the end. The restoration of all the scattered shards. On the door post of every Jewish home there is a Shin. This is the Shin of Shaddai, God?s most mysterious name." (FYI: The Shin is on the Mezuzah, a little box containing a Jewish prayer posted on the door frames on Jewish homes?well, it varies according to tradition and practice.)
KLS QUESTION: Wisniewski?s Note at the end of the book was a good; but do you all think he should have incorporated more the symbolic information, too? Or maybe something simple, like a Hebrew alphabet legend?
Hopes this adds a bit to everyone?s reading and use of Golem and about my descriptions, well, sorry I only review the books without the pictures?cannot describe art work very well at all. If anyone wants further information regarding Jewish practice and custom (as illustrated in the book), please feel free to email me directly.
I hope this first post wasn?t too long or off point,but I really believe that -Golem- is worthy of the Caldecott. Wisniewski?s style is always powerful, but in -Golem- he does a superb job of incorporating traditional & original symbolism.
Karen Simonetti phone: 312.337.7114 email: karensue at mcs.net
THIS IS THE BORING PART: BUT I THINK I?M SUPPOSED TO "INTRODUCE MYSELF." I?m a Contributing Reviewer for "Booklist" doing primarily YA Repeats & original reviews for YA; do free-lance literature based programming for private & public schools (K), multigenerational storytelling (both oral storytelling and participatory) at a local nursing home; work with children with moderate learning disabilities; have a "database" of about 30 kids that I regularly talk to about books (& they not ALL of them are strong readers?but they all "buy" the discussion to talk with me in an informal setting, so I can "finish my homework"?the line I give them as to why we are sitting around my house looking at a book, before getting online and doing other "cool" stuff on the computer)?oh! and before that I was public librarian in a children?s department and yes, before that I practiced law. THE END.
Karen L. Simonetti email: karensue at mcs.net phone: 312.337.7114
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Mon 17 Mar 1997 12:06:56 PM CST
