By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

That the number of novels featuring golems – creatures of dirt/clay brought to life by means of a magical formula– has been increasing with the rise of antisemitism is no surprise. Having a creature to protect us from those who would do us harm is something most people can appreciate. However, many golem stories include an additional lesson: golems can also be dangerous to those they are protecting as they increase in strength and power. These themes are explored in two recent novels: “Golemcrafters” by Emi Watanabe Cohen (Levine Querido) is aimed at tween audiences, while “I Made It Out of Clay” by Beth Kander (Mira) is definitely for adults. Both novels, though, have much to offer for those who are intrigued by the legend of the golem. 

“Golemcrafters” is narrated by 11-year-old Faye, whose brother, Shiloh, recently celebrated his bar mitzvah. A present – a box of clay – from their little-known paternal grandfather arrives the same day that Shiloh returns from school bruised and bloody. They don’t know what to make of the present, although that changes when Zeyde arrives at their apartment to take them to New York City with him, so they can learn the family’s ancient tradition of golemcrafting. Their father, who is Jewish, is reluctant to let them study the heritage he’s rejected. However, their mother, who is ethnically Japanese, has made certain that the two received a Jewish education, and believes it is important for them to spend time with Zeyde and learn the craft that has passed down through the generations: the making of golems. 

Faye finds she has a talent for their creation; in fact, she is far better than Shiloh, which feels strange because he is the intellectual one whom her Japanese grandparents celebrate. But Zeyde appreciates her ability and understands the dangers that come with being so powerful – a power it becomes difficult for her to control. In addition to learning about golems, the children are introduced to the horrific events that have occurred to Jews throughout history. They also learn about their Japanese heritage, one that is rarely spoken about and almost lost in time. However, the two are no strangers to prejudice: both have suffered from teasing and ill treatment at school. In fact, Shiloh was beaten after reporting an antisemitic incident. Learning how to deal with prejudice without denying your heritage is a difficult lesson for Faye to learn. That lesson means that this unusual story packs a powerful punch for tweens and adults.

The fear caused by antisemitism is not restricted to the young. Eve, the narrator of “I Made It Out of Clay,” already has a great deal on her plate: her beloved father died a little over a year ago, she feels alienated from her mother and sister, and her 40th birthday will take place the same weekend her sister, Rosie, is marrying. To complicate matters, there are rumors of layoffs at work. She also has no date for the wedding, even though she promised to bring someone. She had hoped that her new neighbor, whom she privately refers to as Sexy Josh, might accompany her, but she would actually have to ask him, rather than remaining tongue-tied in his presence. 

Life takes an even more unpleasant turn when Eve is subjected to an antisemitic incident, something that makes her fear for her life. Learning of bomb scares at her family synagogue, and viewing antisemitic incidents on the news, ramps up her fear, so much so that she is reminded of something her late Holocaust survivor grandmother once told her: how she wanted to create a golem to save her family from the Nazis – only she wasn’t able to make one in time. Perhaps, thinks Eve, a protector would help her and her family. Of course, the results of her actions are not exactly what she expects.

This description oversimplifies the plot of “I Made It Out of Clay,” which offers complex relationships and emotions. While it could have been a simple rom-com, the fear – actually, the terror – that Eve experiences becomes real to readers, even as it warps her view of the world. That adds a great deal of depth to the work and will engage readers. Eve’s ultimate decision about how to deal with her fear is both well done and bittersweet.

Reading these books together shows the many different approaches an author can offer when describing the creation and actions of a golem. While the craft is passed down through many generations to Faye in “Golemcrafters,” in “I Made It Out of Clay,” Eve has no one to teach her. Instead, she looks to legends about their creations. When Faye creates golems, they bring forth the memories of her ancestors, something that connects her to Jewish and Japanese history. Eve, on the other hand, creates a creature who has no memory and no personal connection to her other than the knowledge that he must protect her. What Faye and Eve share – and what helps them create their golems – is fear: fear of being hurt, fear of loved ones being injured and the fear that history is repeating itself. That fear is what makes both works so powerful. Both characters must find ways to embrace who they are and let go of their fears, something that is not an easy lesson for either, but definitely a worthy one.