David Gantz (1922–2007)

This children’s book follows the theme of a golem serving as a protector of Jews. It even mentions the story of the golem of Prague. In these stories (this book and the legend of the golem of Prague) a golem can be deployed as a sort of secret weapon against hostile gentiles. It is interesting that in this story, the danger is actually an illusion based on a misunderstanding of the young boy Davey, the protagonist. Davey is not in any real danger. The author drops in the rather sophisticated idea that the magic animating the golem (of Prague) was powered by the language by which the Lord created the cosmos. There is no reflection on whether this might be a hubristic misuse of some of the Lord’s power, but then this is a children’s book. There are very nice, charming illustrations (monochromatic drawings by the author) on each page.… (més)

Davey in David Gantz's Davey's Hanukkah Golem live in a modern city. His grandfather though tells him the centuries old story of how the golem protected the Jews in Prague. On the first night of Hanukkah gets a shine new scooter. When he takes it for a spin next day he thinks he is getting chased by other scooters, while his chasers think they are all in scooter race. Davey climbs into a cave in the city park, where he finds clay. He builds his own mini-golem from it, and when he gets out much later he attributes the golem protecting him and his scooter that he left behind unattended. All is well, and he gets home just in time to light his own Hanukah candles. He gives his golem to grandpa as a sign of appreciation.
That's all there is to this story, but it is written and more importantly illustrated more eloquently with black and white line pictures, into which the text is woven. The front cover shows Davey and Grandpa, while the back covers has the golem protecting the city. Pick this one up, particularly if you are planning to give Hanukkah gifts to your children… (més)