The Maharal of Prague: A Legacy of Wisdom and Mysticism

1. Many might not know, but the real name of the Maharal is Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel—hence the acronym Maharal (Morenu HaRav Loew). His alternative name, Loew or Loewe, means ‘lion’ in German. In German literature, he was referred to as 'Rabbi Loewe the Tall.' According to Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, the name 'Loew' was linked to his first name, Yehuda, symbolizing the tribe of Judah, represented by a lion.

2. The Maharal traced his lineage back to King David, seeing himself as a continuator of this legacy. His ancestor, Reb Loew the Elder of Prague, descended from Hai Gaon and had a prestigious genealogy including Geonim, Saboraim, Amoraim, Tannaim, and the Exilarchs.

3. It is said that the Maharal did not study in a yeshiva but learned independently through books. Unlike his brothers, he is not known to have studied under any significant rabbinical figure and does not mention any teacher in his writings.

4. The Maharal married Perl, the spirited daughter of Samuel Smelke Reich, one of the city's wealthiest men, when he was 32 and she was 28. The engagement was overshadowed by a sudden fire that destroyed Rabbi Reich's wealth. The Jews were wrongly blamed for the fire, leading to anti-Semitic violence. Due to their newfound poverty, some tried to break the engagement, but the Maharal’s family insisted on proceeding with the marriage, trusting Hashem for salvation. Life eventually returned to normal, Rabbi Reich regained his wealth, and the couple joyfully wed. They had six daughters and one son.

5. Before becoming a rabbi or judge in Prague, the Maharal established the local Chevra Kadisha (burial society) and wrote its regulations, which later became a model for burial societies throughout Europe.

6. The Maharal is credited with mystical powers. Legend tells that he created a Golem with superhuman abilities using 'Sefer Yetzirah,' attributed to Abraham. The Golem protected Jews from their enemies and was returned to dust after serving its purpose. Known as 'The Golem of Prague,' it has inspired numerous books, films, and a booming tourism industry in Prague.

7. The Maharal was knowledgeable in science, Kabbalah, and philosophy. However, he began publishing his books later in life, releasing his first work, 'Gur Arye' (a five-volume commentary on Rashi's Torah commentary), in 1578 at the age of 66. He went on to write about 13 more books.

8. The Maharal’s wife was renowned for her scholarship, even correcting errors in his books. She is said to have laid tefillin, much like Bruriah, wife of Rabbi Meir, and Michal, daughter of Saul.

9. The Maharal was reportedly friendly with Emperor Rudolf II. In their secret meetings, discussing astrology and alchemy, the Maharal also looked after the Jewish community's interests in Prague.

10. On the 18th of Elul 5369 (August 22, 1609), at the age of 97, the Maharal passed away and was buried in Prague. Among his notable students were the Tosafot Yom Tov on the Mishnah and the Keli Yakar on the Torah. His distinguished descendants include Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and the Baal HaTanya, founder of Chabad Chassidism.

This upcoming Erev Shabbat, let us all light an extra candle in memory of the holy tzadik, the Maharal of Prague, who taught us that 32 is not too late for marriage, money isn't everything, and it's never too late to publish a book.