Sunday, March 6, 2011

Happy Sunday Stamps! meme. Stamps with artwork BY children, and stamps with artwork FOR children.

The above maximum card is created with an ad(vertisement) card.


How many issuing countries contributed to the above selection of stamps? :)
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Friday, March 4, 2011

The real new earliest known source in print for the Golem of Prague?

Yesterday I posted that someone turned up an 1834 source in Sulamith volume 8 for a legend concerning the Maharal of Prague and his famous Golem. The legend concerned a plague in the ghetto of Prague. Maharal created the Golem to discover the source of the plague, which turned out to be the sins of an adulteress.

A scholar informs me
I'm afraid there is an error here. . . .

Sulamith vol. 8, part 2 was published in 1843, not 1834. Thus, e.g., you will see events from 1838 described on p. 1 of the volume; events from 1840 on p. 71 of the volume; and p. 253 (the page before the Golem ballad) mentions 1841.

[This] error may have been caused by a mis-listing on the site of the German-Jewish periodicals.

There is no error in the Jewish Encyclopedia account; there was nothing to look up. It correctly notes that the full text was first published in 1841.

I might add that Gustav Philippson was born in 1816. It is unlikely that he would have published a ballad about the Maharal when only 18 years old. His first publication was in 1841, the same year he left for Prague in order to study under Rabbi Solomon Judah Rapoport.
Oh, well. But I will try again. In 1834 a Jew and eventual convert to Christianity, known by many names, published a book called Der jüdische Gil Blas (The Jewish Gil Blas). The original Gil Blas was a picaresque novel (a satirical style, which depicts the adventures of a rogueish hero) published in parts from 1715 to 1735. Here is the title page:


The character of this book gives his background as the son of a schochet in the Moravian town of Trebitsch, who is also a Ba'al Keriah and Chazan, to this day (ie, he is a traditional religious Jew still alive in 1834). Since he was a promising young student, after his Bar Mitzvah he was sent to Prague to learn Talmud from a rabbi named Zalel (=Betzalel). He describes his "admissions exam," which consisted of a very difficult passage in Massekhes Niddah, along with a half dozen commentaries. Satisfied, the rabbi immediately accepted him, and he was offered a place to sleep.

He describes his teacher, Rabbi Zalel, as an ascetic man, who fasted Mondays and Thursdays, and went to the Mikvah every Friday. Yet he had some modern or moderate tendencies, and would study non-theological books written in German.

The protagonist contrasts this with his wife, Sprintze, who was of the old-fashioned opinion that books written in alphabets other than the Hebrew were the first step on the path to heresy. On one occasions she saw the boy reading a math book in German, and she grabbed it from him and threw it out into the courtyard, where it ripped. He was upset of course, but even more so because he would have to pay the person from whom he borrowed the book. Her husband, the rebbe, told her that she was wrong - doesn't she realize that the book was written by "Schimme Gunz?" (i.e, a Jew), and he allowed him to pick up the book "solely because its author was also a descendant of Abraham."

In the third chapter he writes that he had thought that his food would be taken care of by the rabbi, but it turned out that this was only for weekdays. On Shabbos and holidays he was given some kind of meal ticket, and the man in charge of seeing that the boys would have Shabbos meals, was named Benjamin Ofner, who was a Chazan. This Ofner was impressed by the boy when he met him, and told him that instead of going somewhere else, he could move in with him and his family and tutor his children. At that point he was tired of Rebbetzin Sprintze, and was glad to leave Rabbi Zalel's home.

He mentions that once he went to the theater and returned very late, and the door was locked. Benjamin told him that as a consequence of coming so late he would not let him inside that night. Unable to think of anything else, he returned after a little while and called out under the window "Rabbi Benjamin, Rabbi Benjamin! The wealthy Meier is ill. Come at once to the Altneuschule to say Tehillim (recite Psalms)." Then he stood outside the door, and slipped inside when Benjamin opened up, returning later when he realized he had been fooled. Our protagonist could not leave well enough alone, and jammed the door shut and told his host: "Night Owls will be punished for being late by staying outside. . . "

But for our purposes, what is interesting is the rather lengthy footnote upon the word Altneuschule. Here is how it begins:


It talks about the legend concerning it being built from stones from the Temple in Jerusalem. On the next page:


Here is says that in the attic is kept some relics from a distinguished rabbi of an earlier time, including the Golam (which means "servant" in Hebrew and Persian) of Rabbi Liwa, whom the people call the "hohe Rabbi Löw" (the tall Rabbi Löw). It goes on to mention his legendary relations with Emperor Rudolph II, and that he made this Golem out of clay, with his Kabbalistic knowledge. The rabbi Golem was animated by a special paper with God's name on it, and he had a different one for weekdays and Shabbos. At night he would remove it from his mouth. If I understand correctly, the idea is that on Shabbos the Golem would have a day off, like anyone else, and so was not obliged to listen to his master. One Friday night he forgot to remove it, and as soon as the 92nd Psalm was sung (when Shabbat begins) it began to cause a ruckus. The whole building swayed! So the prayer was halted, and the rabbi replaced the paper with the weekday name of God, and it calmed down, and then the prayer could be resumed. The author says that to this day the event is commemorated in Prague with a 15 minute break after the first Psalm is recited.

The next legend that he mentions concerns the plague and adulteresses. There was a plague striking children in Prague, and the idea was to discover the cause of the divine wrath responsible for it. The solution posed by the Maharal was that a messenger should enter the cemetery adjacent to the synagogue at midnight, and some of the recently deceased children would emerge from their grave. His mission was to snatch one of their shrouds ("tachrichim") and bring it to the rabbi. And so it happened. So the ghost of the child missing its burial shroud came to the rabbi and begged him to return it. The Maharal said that he will, after he is told what is causing the plague. So the child told him that two couples in the Belelesgasse were, well, you can figure it out. With a little investigation, the identities of them were determined. One woman was named Bella and one named Ella. This accounts for the name of the street in the ghetto, the Belelesgasse. Other claims that the name comes from the Hebrew word בלילה, be-laila, at night, which is when these people were caught in the act. Normally this is a Golem story, but in this early telling it is a Maharal story, but the Golem plays no role in this.

In any case, the author of this book was named Joseph Seligmann Kohn (1803-1850). He published this book anonymously, but he wrote many other books under many different names, including Selig Korn. He also used other names, like Friedrich and Felix, and Friedrich Nork, after he was baptized.

Now, a note about the book. Wilma Iggers published an annotated edition of this book in 1993 (so of course she, and anyone else who read the book, knows this reference). In hers and her husband's autobiography "Two Lives in Uncertain Times" she writes twice that the Gil Blas book was published in 1837. On the other hand, in "The Jews of Bohemia and Moravia: a Historical Reader," also by her, she says 1834. Anticipating that some might claim that this book was really published in 1837, with the title page mistakenly (or intentionally) reading 1834, let me assure the reader that it was already in existence in 1834. I know this, because the Blätter für literarische Unterhaltung reviewed this book in their September 16, 1834 issue (page 1071). This review mentions the Maharal and the cemetery story, but not the Golem, so it fails to be another 1834 mention of this legend. Here it is, and following it the book itself:


Not really flying: The Siberian Flying Squirrel (Pteromys volans) - WWF maximum cards/ maxicards/ dorincards FROM Estonia (Eesti) ("FROM", not "ABOUT" Estonia, because they are really postmarked locally). Happy Postcard Friendship Friday! meme.

Mother Nature, or The Supreme Genetic Engineer gave this species the skinny - the furry glide membrane or patagium, a flap of skin that stretches between the front and rear legs.

"By spreading this membrane the flying squirrel may glide from tree to tree across distances of over a hundred meters, and have been known to record a glide ratio of 3.31, but is normally 1-1.5.[2]"


It would have been better if the postcards didn't have the basically identical, enlarged image of each matching stamp. Viva variety, you National Postal Administrations! :)
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Happy PFF (Postcard Friendship Friday)!
Please visit: http://thebestheartsarecrunchy.blogspot.com/ (wait until Beth posts the today's Linky tool for the meme, then make your entry, if you want to join).

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The new earliest known source in print for the Golem of Prague. (3/4/11 - Please see update below.)

It was fun while it lasted. On November 4, 2009 I posted what was then the earliest discovered reference to the Maharal creating a golem in any known written source. My source was the Oesterreiche Zeitschrift für Geschichts und Staatsunde, 92, November 16, 1836, page 368.

Now, a new book called The Golem Returns by Cathy S. Gelbin has found an earlier source from 1834. What's particularly awesome about this is that this source was sitting right there on the pages of the Jewish Encyclopedia for more than 100 years.



Here is a sample, and below it is the entire document in Scribd.



As you can see, this is from Sulamith v.8 (which is available at compactmemory.de). It's described as a "Prague Legende,"and it is titled Der Golem und die Ehebrecherin, which means The Golem and the Adulteress. This piece is by Gustav Frankl, who was already known for his version of the legend - but it had been published in 1841. The Jewish Encyclopedia erroneously says that this earlier source is "abridged" from the later one, but there can be no doubt, 1834 is 1834, and it is about Rabbi Lob and his Golem.

Eli Eshed, a golem researcher, gets the credit for calling attention to this new book, which I have not yet seen.




EDIT 3/4/11: Important update. This is a mistake. Please see this post, where I give an actual 1834 source for the Golem.

New Mitsubishi Lancer 2011 Specs and Review


When thinking of the Mitsubishi Lancer, most car enthusiasts envision a charging Evolution X muscled through a remote mountain pass. While the pig Evo spotlight - and imagination car nuts - that is, less aggressive humble Lancer that serves as the foundation and rules halo car annual three-diamond's sales sheet. In 2010, the base Lancer contributed 46% of total U.S. sales of Mitsubishi, Evo only 6%.

For all the significance of the sale, 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer ES we recently to round do not feel like a car that pride, joy, or the breadwinner for several reasons, especially in the ES trim. True, mugs shark-face tension has gained much criticism good and bad since 2007 debut of the Tokyo Motor Show, but has not gone under the knife since. (C-segment competitor named the Civic, Corolla, and Mazda3 all been face-lifted in some capacity since then.) Bits like four-wheel plastic-covered steel 16-inch wrapped in 205/60-16 Dunlop all-season rubber don 't helped cause the exterior looks very small and far below the low-slung body pieces. This view is similar to weight lifting exercise Hugo Boss dress shoes, shoes just do not match.


For all the innocent nature, however, Lancer ES has several important external attributes. Nose, with color-matching inserts and chrome grille surround, not as a "hard" as an example louvered at Evo. Plus, the lack of Gulfstream G6 rear wing makes ES conspicuous to law enforcement. Painted door handles and side mirrors from ES DE differentiate low and an improvement of the standard black pieces.

Basic Warranty: The basic warranty covers everything except items that are subject to wear and tear or replacement in the ordinary course of vehicle ownership, such as oil and air filters, wiper blades and brake pads. Tires and batteries are often excluded, but usually have their own warranty provided by the manufacturers of those items. Emissions equipment is required by Federal law to be covered for five years or 50,000 miles.


Drive Train Warranty: In some cases the drive train warranty continues after the basic warranty has expired. This part of the warranty covers most of the parts that make the vehicle move, including the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft. Like the basic warranty, consumable parts such as hoses and belts are not covered. However, most of the internal parts of the engine, such as the pistons and bearings, which are also subject to wear and tear, are covered by the drive train warranty.

Roadside Assistance: Many manufacturers provide a service that will rescue you if your car leaves you stranded, even if it's your fault. Lock yourself our of your car? Run out of gas? Got a flat tire? A call to the manufacturer's toll-free number will result in somebody showing up who can help you out. There is a huge variance in these programs so check ahead of time to see what is covered and what you will have to pay for.

Rust or Corrosion Warranty: Rust or Corrosion Warranty: This warranty covers the vehicle's sheet metal, and protects you from rust and corrosion that are severe enough to cause a hole - surface rust is not covered. However, if you keep your car washed and waxed rust shouldn't be a problem.
  • Price: $ 17.295
  • MPG: 25-33 mpg
  • Bodystyle: Sedan
  • Engine: 2.0L MIVEC in-linefour-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder
  • Unleaded fuel
  • Fuel economy: EPA (08):, 25 MPG city, 33 MPG highway, 28 MPG combined and 434 mi. range
  • Multi-point fuel injection
  • 15.5-gallon fuel tank
  • Power(SAE): 148 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 145 ft lb of torque @ 4,200 rpm

New Kia Forte 2011


2011 Kia Forte receive aesthetics and some mechanical changes, but the most visible changes is the introduction of the five-door hatchback Forte. Edmunds says that with these upgrades, the Forte is "good enough to compete with the stars segment lasting from Honda and Toyota."

In 2010, Kia Forte launched its new all in an effort to redeem himself from 2009 Spectra's poor reputation among the automotive press. Kia successfully, and 2010, Forte became a favorite reviewer for ample cargo space, reasonable prices and a strong list of standard features. For 2011, the sedan and the Kia Forte Koup models remain largely unchanged. Kia, however, has added another model to the lineup Forte: a five-door hatchback.


Not only a new body styles, five-door Forte also predict some changes which come for the whole family Forte. hatched a new grille and fascia design will migrate to the Forte sedan and coupe for 2011, as it will begin to push buttons and paddle shifters is available. More importantly, they paddle shifters will direct a new six-speed automatic transmission, so that both automatic and manual will be a six-speed for 2011. As with the entire family Forte, five-door offers inline 2.0-liter and 2.4-crawling.

The five-door hatchback will have the same engine with the sedan and Koup, but adopted a six-speed automatic transmission or a new manual that is not available with the sedan model 2010 and Koup. New transmission should improve fuel economy, but the Kia nor the EPA has released its fuel economy ratings.


Some aspects of the five-door hatchback model brings to 2011sedan and Koup. Sedan and Koup will upgrade to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and adopting a new grille design and the fascia, push-button starting system and paddle shifters. This model is they keep a list of class-leading standard features that include Bluetooth, SIRIUS satellite radio and iPod connectivity.

Release automotive Forte acknowledges that isn'ta strong car, but at the price, satisfied with the enthusiastic reviews the accuracy, attitude and improvement in the road.

2011 Kia Forte has two four-cylinder engine options: 2.0-liter that produces 156 horsepower and 2.4-liter that produces 173 horsepower. Both engines have a six-speed manual and automatic options.

Reviewers have various opinions on Forte's performance of 2010. Some say it has a zippy acceleration, while others say it's a bit slow. Although not review Forte's performance was criticized in 2011, their perspective will not change because the 2010 models have the same machine. Release automotive disagree, however, that Forte has a big fuel economy, averaging an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, and no fine on the road for cars that do not focus on performance.

Reviewers have a problem with manual and automatic transmission in 2010 Forte. For the manual, making clutch stick shift is not smooth and does not feel right. Also, some members of the automotive press say gas is too aggressive, making the car feel sloppy rather than sporty. Others claim that the gas was not aggressive enough. With 2010 Forte, reviewers have a problem with the manual and automatic transmission. For 2011, however, Forte has a six-speed transmission, so the reviewer opinion may change with this update.

2011 Kia Forte five-door hatchback will be available this fall, but Kia does not provide release dates for 2011 and Koup Forte sedan. Keep checking back as more information was released on the addition of new Kia.

Specification Of New Kia Soul 2011


Kia Soul is a "high hatchback" compact with a unique style reminiscent Scion's boxy xB. It was first used as a concept in 2006, and finally went into production for 2010 and onwards models. Soul basic model retails from $ 13,995, including destination. For the entry price, buyers get a 122 horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine, ABS, electronic stability control, six airbags, air conditioning, CD audio system display, MP3 (USB and AUX input) and Sirius satellite radio, and power windows and locks.


2011 Kia Soul to see some changes that were introduced for model year 2010. This subcompact car is front wheel, the door carriage 4 which is slightly larger than the Kia Rio. Four trim levels are offered: Soul, Soul +, Soul! (Fun), and the Soul of sports. Soul Base models are powered by a 122 horsepower 4-cylinder 1.6-liter that the team with 5-speed manual transmission. Standard on the other version is 142-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission is offered in Soul +. Optional on models and standard on the Soul! and sport is a 4-speed automatic.

"The reaction from the media and the public for three Soul concept cars seen at the Geneva Show in March and then displayed at other international events, has been very positive," said Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO. "This reaction, plus the fact that both physically and emotionally, Soul concept cars is closely associated with the new Kia Soul production car, making a natural choice to retain this evocative name."

Liver-directed soul-young, fashion-conscious demographic, and Kia will offer a choice to kill in order to personalize their Soul, in the same tone as the MINI range, with a choice of trim and new colors that come every 6 to 12 months. jau-carmodification.blogspot.com

Specification of Kia Soul 2011:
ENGINE
dohc I41 dohc I42
Size, liters/cu. in. 1.6/98 2.0/122
Horsepower @ rpm. 122 @ 6300 142 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 115 @ 4200 137 @ 4600
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
5-speed manual 26/31 24/30
4-speed automatic --/-- 24/30

FUEL DATA
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City 26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy 31 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx 12.7 gal

DRIVETRAIN SPECIFICATIONS
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive

INTERIOR SPECIFICATIONS
Front Headroom 40.2 in
Front Hiproom 53.3 in
Front Legroom 42.1 in
Front Shoulderroom 55.2 in
Passenger Capacity 5
Second Headroom 39.6 in
Second Hiproom 52.7 in
Second Legroom 39 in
Second Shoulderroom 55.1 in

EXTERIOR SPECIFICATIONS
Curb Weight 2560 lbs
Height, Overall 63.4 in
Length, Overall 161.6 in
Min Ground Clearance 6.5 in
Tread Width, Front 61.8 in
Tread Width, Rear 62.0 in
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb 34.4 ft
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall N/A ft
Wheelbase 100.4 in
Width, Max w/o mirrors 70.3 in

WHEELS
Front Wheel Material Steel
Rear Wheel Material Steel

TIRES
Front Tire Size P195/65R15
Rear Tire Size P195/65R15