A Devotaj Sacred Arts Source Sheet

On Hanukkah, the roots of the season become branches, torches of fire to light our way into the next season, when the light will grow and we will begin the ascent into spring.

The Jewish Book of Days

Table of Contents

This source sheet is structured a bit differently than some of the others. Below you will find a curated set of links to other websites, with some quotes from a favorite book.

• Hanukkah and its Symbols
• Rituals and Texts
• Connection to the Winter Solstice
• Music & Prayers

And remember to check out my Hanukkah Haggadah, for a different way to engage with the holiday.

The golem (גולם) is a creature of Jewish mythology, although the idea of being made of clay or other elements is not unique to Judaism. Through out Jewish history, glamim (גולמים) have been created in times of need to protect the Jewish people and their allies, and are deeply connected to the need to protect Jewish people from antisemitic persecution and violence.

In Jewish tradition, the golem is most widely known as an artificial creature created by magic, often to serve its creator. The word “golem” appears only once in the Bible (Psalms 139:16). In Hebrew, “golem” stands for “shapeless mass.”

Jewish Virtual Library

While the golem has been appropriated by non-Jews — its history and existence is rooted and forever intertwined with Jewish people.

Note: The copyright for each of the books excerpted here is owned by the author and publisher. These excerpts are posted as a way of raising awareness of these great resources.