Report from Prague – Day One

Ahoj, Whole Megillah readers!

Archways of Charles University Faculty of Arts

As some of you know, I was named a finalist for a fiction fellowship at Western Michigan University’s Prague Summer Program. So, here I am in Prague, where I’ll be taking courses in fiction and Jewish studies. Classes start tomorrow.

But a walking tour today breezed through the Jewish District, Jozefow, named for Habsburg ruler Joseph II, who was kind to the Jews. The Jewish District was autonomous and had its own town hall.

We passed the Frank Kafka birthplace and museum. Was he a cohane? I definitely want to visit here as well as try out a few restaurants like the glatt kosher King Solomon.

And dare I try the Golem? Reminds me of Eric Kimmel’s new story coming out from  Marshall Cavendish’s Shofar imprint. (Stay tuned later this month for a review.)

I could only glimpse the exterior of the 16th-century Maisel Synagogue, built for Mayor Mordechai Maisel. I believe there are five synagogues to visit. My goal is to get to each one.

On Wednesday, our Jewish studies class will visit the Jewish Museum. I’ll have more to report then.

Cau!