The Book of Splendor

In 17th-century Prague, the slightly crazed Emperor Rudoph II imports two Englishmen who claim they can concoct an elixir that guarantees immortality. As they ponder their dilemma (produce it or be executed), the situation of Prague's Jews becomes more and more precarious as Protestantism takes hold, intolerance increases, and the Ottomans threaten. In response, the legendary and saintly Rabbi Loew creates a Golem--Yossel by name--who saves many Jews from a terrible fate. When the emperor hears of the Golem's power, he summons the rabbi to help create the immortality drug, and Rabbi Loew sees a chance to save the Jews. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.