A children's tale about living creatures "created" by rabbis, the golem, have been exploited in films and books. The stories cannot be classified as Jewish folklore, after all Judaism teaches, like Christianity and Islam, that only God can be the Creator and Giver of life. The designation of Jewish folklore belongs with honour to some of the stories in the Bible.
It is possible that the "pseudo-legend" of the Golem of Prague developed from a comment by its Rabbi: "I have a golem working at home." He was using the term as it was found in rabbinical Hebrew, for example in Pirke Avot. It was used as an expression, often offensive, to refer to someone considered "ignorant" or similar adjective. In Modern Israeli Hebrew it is used as an insult. Through history a golem is described as a being under the control of someone who claims "intellectual" power over it.
Today in politics pseudo-intellectuals, demagogues, charlatans, opportunists, con-artists, et al. manipulate others with conspiracy theories. They develop stories from lies to gain power over the minds of voters. The same is done by some religious leaders for financial gain. Their audiences are controlled like the golem of the fiction stories.
The Holy One has given to humanity the ability to think, to analyze carefully, with a critical mind any information we hear. We are empowered with the intellect to explore and do research. In this age of internet technology we have access to respectful and serious scholarly research, even primary sources in digital format (sadly the internet provides access to meaningless stories and lies). Therefore, do not just take for granted that something is true because it was said by a rich person. Take the time to carefully investigate. Do not just seat there thinking that because he or she has some religious title he or she must be right. Let his or her sermons be analyzed carefully. Seek the truth. It was said that knowing the truth will make us free. If we choose to ignore what is truth, then we become ignorant, golem. So, do not be a golem, but seek truth. Continue growing in faith, wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Learn from your rabbis, pastors, priests, et al. asking questions, open to dialogue, with a humble attitude and a desire to be a tzadik. Listen to those running for a public office in government. Encourage them to speak the truth if they really care for the people. Ask your questions, investigate further the subject, with a critical, analytical mind study the arguments from all candidates regardless their political affiliation. We are free to think, to speak, to do what will benefit everyone as a nation. Do not be a golem, be free to think.
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