Jews first came to Prague about one hundred years after the founding of the city, between 900 and 1000 bce. They survived the onslaught of Crusaders in 1096, and many other assaults over the centuries. Soon after 1200 they lived in the Judenstadt, which is German for the 'Jewish City." In time this became Europe's most famous ghetto. The Judenstadt develpoed wonderful synagogues, like the Altneuschul. Many Yeshivot (religious schools to train rabbis) were built and flourished.
One of the greatest rabbi of Prague was Judah Low ben Bezalel. To protect the Jews of Prague from physical attack, he supposedly created a monster called the Golem using mystical powers.
I am off to Prague very soon. I will keep you posted.
Shalom,
Rabbi
