Page 3 of The Golem of Mala Lubovnya
“Enough, enough!” said Rabbi Eleazar. “So you’re as strong as an ox. But how much can you lift?”
The golem thought for a moment. Then he stooped to place his arms under the front of the wagon and straightened his knees. The cart rose into the air—a bit unsteadily because of its awkward shape, but without a great amount of effort on the golem’s part.
The rabbi uttered an exclamation in a language the golem didn’t understand. A brief prayer, maybe. The golem set the cart down again, taking care not to make too much noise. He looked at his master expectantly. He was enjoying this work—it felt good to be so useful.
“I have one more test for you. Come here.”
In the corner where the walls of the synagogue met, there was a boulder nearly as tall as the rabbi. It was covered in moss and lichen. The golem wondered whether a stone could itch. His shoulders twitched in sympathy.
The rabbi picked up a hammer with a long wooden handle and a large metal head. He handed it to the golem. “I had to borrow this from Yitzak the smith, and I believe he was almost overcome with curiosity about why I might need it. Use it on the rock. Bring it down as hard as you can.”
The golem hefted the tool in his hands. The shaft was smooth and solid. It felt good, but even better was when the golem lifted it high over his head. He wanted to utter an apology to the boulder, which had done him no harm, but he was afraid his master would be angry. The golem bunched his muscles, and with a satisfying grunt, he swung the hammer down with all his might. The head hit the stone, sparks flew, and the rock cracked apart like a great egg. The crash echoed off the walls.
This time there was no question the rabbi said a prayer. In the flickering candlelight, he looked equally gratified and horrified. “A mighty weapon indeed,” he said to himself. “Let us pray we shall never need it.”
He didn’t say another word as he led the golem back indoors. The golem was deeply disappointed—he’d hoped to have more chance to investigate the world. But he didn’t complain as they plodded up the stairs to the stuffy, dusty attic.
“Stay here and be quiet,” said Rabbi Eleazar. And he left, shutting the door behind him.
