Along with the episode titled 'Revelations', the writers of the X-Files series showed that they could come up with a script built around a religious theme and do it in a way that was instructive and sensitive. They could at the same time successfully introduce an element of the paranormal as well, as we see with the idea of a golem in this story, a living being fashioned from mud or clay, a body without a soul. The interesting twist revealed here is that the golem was summoned by the fiancé of a hate crime victim at the beginning of the episode, while all the time we expect that it was the woman's father, a man with a terrorist past, who was behind the revenge killings taking place in retaliation for the death of Isaac Lauria. In a short but disturbing scene, Scully and Mulder confront a shop owner who's display of hatred against Jews is so virulent that it takes the agents almost by surprise. Credit the partners for maintaining a semblance of professionalism while countering the rhetoric with compassion and quick thinking.
16 Reviews
A Jew Pulled It Off 2,000 Years Ago
Muldernscully12 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Kaddish is a nice, solid episode that I think gives a good message without being overly preachy. The teaser is interesting, in that at the funeral, everyone is dressed in black except for a nameless little girl who is wearing a bright-red coat. It's kind of like Schindler's List, but it's not followed up upon later in the episode. After the teaser, the episode begins a little differently because Scully introduces the case to Mulder instead of the usual way of Mulder doing that part. Excellent acting by David Duchovny when Jacob Weiss is going on about Jewish persecution and Mulder acts very uncomfortable, knowing he was no good answer for Jacob. The scene with the burning book was good and spooky. I also like the special effect at the end of Isaac turning back to dust or dirt. It looked very authentic. Kaddish sends a very good message about hatred, and how it can go both ways. It was pretty much just one scene, but Mulder and Scully sent a clear message with their repugnance toward the copy store owner's racial hatred. It doesn't hit you over the head with the message, and it is incorporated well with the story of the Jewish folklore. Kaddish is another fine effort from the x-files.
I find the concept of the 'Golem' creature quite intriguing
SleepTight66620 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
A pretty good episode that is mostly hurt by slow pacing and a slightly uneven script.
But the great emotional ending really brought the episode full-circle.
I find the concept of the 'Golem' creature quite intriguing. It's like an essence made out of clay without a spirit, a Golem can only be destroyed by it's maker. Which in this case was a beautiful Jewish woman named Ariel, who created the creature in the memory of her dead-boyfriend. All she wanted was to be married to him and to say goodbye, but the Golem came back full of anger to avenge the ones that murdered him.
I'm giving this episode THREE stars. It's interesting, and I really liked the cinematography.
But the great emotional ending really brought the episode full-circle.
I find the concept of the 'Golem' creature quite intriguing. It's like an essence made out of clay without a spirit, a Golem can only be destroyed by it's maker. Which in this case was a beautiful Jewish woman named Ariel, who created the creature in the memory of her dead-boyfriend. All she wanted was to be married to him and to say goodbye, but the Golem came back full of anger to avenge the ones that murdered him.
I'm giving this episode THREE stars. It's interesting, and I really liked the cinematography.
I don't think it was hate that created this, Scully. I think it was love.
Sanpaco1324 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Kaddish is not one of my favorite episodes. I'm not sure why as there isn't necessarily anything wrong with it. I think the premise of the episode just doesn't really grab my attention or interest. The episode is simple enough. A hasidic Jewish man is killed by a group of kids who have been reading anti-semitic Nazi propaganda. The man who is killed was about to be married and his fiancé overcome with grief brings to life a golem who then takes revenge on those responsible for the man's death. Mulder and Scully investigate and through a number of twists and turns find out the truth and are able to save the girl's father and get her to stop the golem from hurting anyone else. There are some interesting and entertaining parts to the episode. I do enjoy learning about Hebrew culture and have wanted to learn Hebrew for a while. I found it very interesting that the word for truth and the word for death are so close to each other in Hebrew. I love the scene when Mulder finds the book in the man's grave and it bursts into flames. Its one of those WTF moments similar to when the frogs fall out of the sky in Die Hand Die Verletzt. I also enjoy the philosophy about marriage that is explained by the daughter about becoming kings and queens. All in all I give this episode a 7 out of 10.
Jewish Golems are coming for you.
devonbrown-906491 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Decent well paced episode detailing the revenge of a dead jewish man bought to life by jewish mysticism hell bent on finding his enemies. Only to return to the mid he was made from.
This episode had limited character development of scully or mulder. But did show Scullys normal personality traits of rationalising the unknown. How could you explain a book spontaneously combusting with aresnic traces in the ground. Cmon Scully.
Not sure how they worded this case in their field report. I'm sure skinned wouldn't be impressed with golem fiancé who was killed by nazi's comes back to life to kill nazi's and his bride to be's disapproving father.
Nevertheless this was a good filler episode that explored Jewish mysticism and Neo nazi's two extreme sides of the same coin.
This episode had limited character development of scully or mulder. But did show Scullys normal personality traits of rationalising the unknown. How could you explain a book spontaneously combusting with aresnic traces in the ground. Cmon Scully.
Not sure how they worded this case in their field report. I'm sure skinned wouldn't be impressed with golem fiancé who was killed by nazi's comes back to life to kill nazi's and his bride to be's disapproving father.
Nevertheless this was a good filler episode that explored Jewish mysticism and Neo nazi's two extreme sides of the same coin.
Well-paced, sensitive and honest
BethBartel7429 August 2010
As far as creepiness goes, I think this episode goes beyond the standard gore-and-guts business than those just prior to this one. There is a lot to be said for good, old-fashioned suspense and the things that happen off-camera. Aside from the split-second shot of Isaac Luria's dead face in the graveyard, most of the excitement comes from the fear perpetuated by rapid-zoom camera effects and sudden shot changes such as the one changing from the Golem attacking someone to the shovel hitting the ground. A well-paced story, I think the episode does justice to its sensitive subject by portraying it honestly.
I would like to praise in particular the scene in the copy shop, where Brunjes spouts off on Mulder, the government, and Jewish people. It's a tight, short scene, and although the script rattles off many prejudices in a short time, it does so effectively without trying too hard to be preachy. I also appreciate Scully's and Mulder's honest facial expressions, ranging from initial discomfort to "Can you believe this guy?" At the end of the scene, both Scully's and Mulder's parting comments to Brunje knock him down a few notches and show true strength and dignity.
I would like to praise in particular the scene in the copy shop, where Brunjes spouts off on Mulder, the government, and Jewish people. It's a tight, short scene, and although the script rattles off many prejudices in a short time, it does so effectively without trying too hard to be preachy. I also appreciate Scully's and Mulder's honest facial expressions, ranging from initial discomfort to "Can you believe this guy?" At the end of the scene, both Scully's and Mulder's parting comments to Brunje knock him down a few notches and show true strength and dignity.
A Final Good-Bye
miketorres-0144415 June 2016
One of the most, if not the most, poignant episode of the X-Files. Ariel Weiss (skillfully and beautifully played by Justine Miceli) and Isaac Luria are two, young orthodox Jews betrothed to one another. Ariel's father, a Holocaust survivor, discovers a re-birth of his hopes for the future through his daughter's love for Isaac and their impending wedding. In a cruel twist of fate, Isaac becomes the victim of a hate crime and is brutally shot to death shortly before their wedding. Ariel was not afforded the opportunity to express her love for Isaac one last time nor was she able to say a final good-bye.
Through the sheer power and intensity of her love for Isaac and her faith, Ariel creates the opportunity to meet with Isaac one last time, tell him of her undying love and bid him a final good-bye.
A story of love, loss and a fulfilled wish to have one final opportunity to say, "I love you" and to say "Good-bye".
For anyone who has lost someone they dearly love and has often wished to see them one last time.
I've watched this episode over and over. The ending is beautiful and so very poignant. From ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.
Through the sheer power and intensity of her love for Isaac and her faith, Ariel creates the opportunity to meet with Isaac one last time, tell him of her undying love and bid him a final good-bye.
A story of love, loss and a fulfilled wish to have one final opportunity to say, "I love you" and to say "Good-bye".
For anyone who has lost someone they dearly love and has often wished to see them one last time.
I've watched this episode over and over. The ending is beautiful and so very poignant. From ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.
Ignore the two Halfwits
DocoKing16 February 2022
Brilliant Episode one of the Xfiles best it's interesting creepy
It's one of the best in the series.
As for the two halfwits claiming it's Racist and inaccurate I'm referring to. Regbeg 194 and Joji 1997
Clearly they not working with a full deck
The Acting was outstanding the Story was educated and the info was indeed accurate agin ignore the halfwits all other reviews are favorable
Onto the review The episode is this
A hate crime leads to a disturbing series of murders that may involve a being from Jewish folklore bent on revenge. I won't give more then that as it is far better to go in with little info
It's a fantastic episode that is a nice change from the Government Conspiracy arc's the show does 10\10 give it a go.
As for the two halfwits claiming it's Racist and inaccurate I'm referring to. Regbeg 194 and Joji 1997
Clearly they not working with a full deck
The Acting was outstanding the Story was educated and the info was indeed accurate agin ignore the halfwits all other reviews are favorable
Onto the review The episode is this
A hate crime leads to a disturbing series of murders that may involve a being from Jewish folklore bent on revenge. I won't give more then that as it is far better to go in with little info
It's a fantastic episode that is a nice change from the Government Conspiracy arc's the show does 10\10 give it a go.
1959 and such
taoc792 December 2017
Just to point out that the British left Palestine in 1948, upon Israel's independence, so there were no "terrorist" attacks taking place on them in 1959, by Jacob Weiss or anyone else. History lovers everywhere constantly despair. Otherwise a decent, middle-of-the-road monster of the week, that I probably won't need to watch a second time.
Man, those are just words. You think they killed my friends with words?
bombersflyup15 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Kaddish is about Mulder and Scully investigating a series of murders that began with the shooting of a young Orthodox Jew.
Though by no means a go to episode, it's still mostly good. There's humour and joy in there amidst all the sorrow and the lore of the golem is interesting, form without spirit. The guest appearances are fairly strong as well, Justine Miceli in particular. Its position behind "Memento Mori," being of a similar tone, doesn't do it any favors.
Though by no means a go to episode, it's still mostly good. There's humour and joy in there amidst all the sorrow and the lore of the golem is interesting, form without spirit. The guest appearances are fairly strong as well, Justine Miceli in particular. Its position behind "Memento Mori," being of a similar tone, doesn't do it any favors.
Al for love, cracking episode.
Sleepin_Dragon7 August 2022
It's a love story with demonic undertones.
I find myself rather perplexed by the episode's relatively low score, it's one that I'll admit I watched twice, but that's only because I didn't fully digest the plot first time around.
Well worth giving this one a chance, I thought it was an excellent offering. I'll praise Series 4 once again, for delivering such a unique mix and blend of episodes, how on Earth they managed such a broad range is incredible.
The visuals worked incredibly well, and years later the special effects still look good to me.
I understand there will be some feelings about the tone, issues of race etc, but I think they showed the racists and bigots for what they were, cowards.
Hugely impressed me, 9/10.
I find myself rather perplexed by the episode's relatively low score, it's one that I'll admit I watched twice, but that's only because I didn't fully digest the plot first time around.
Well worth giving this one a chance, I thought it was an excellent offering. I'll praise Series 4 once again, for delivering such a unique mix and blend of episodes, how on Earth they managed such a broad range is incredible.
The visuals worked incredibly well, and years later the special effects still look good to me.
I understand there will be some feelings about the tone, issues of race etc, but I think they showed the racists and bigots for what they were, cowards.
Hugely impressed me, 9/10.
The Power of The Word
XweAponX15 February 2012
To create, or Kill. In the Bible, the Apostle John Says "In the Beginning, was the Word, and The Word became Flesh". This brings an image into my mind, of God creating Man merely by Speaking. In fact, the whole concept indicates that the concept of Words, or, Intelligence, is God Him/Herself.
Throughout the Ages Words have been used to either bring us incredible tapestries of beauty, or dank cesspits of corruption. Sometimes the two things use the same phrases. And so what we have here is a visualization of how words can kill or heal, depending on their use or misuse.
This X-Files episode is Authentic in all detail, Mulder is used to explain the Myth of the Golem in great detail. I've read through old Hebrew Mysticism texts, and whoever wrote this got a lot of detail exactly right. So when the young Rabbi explains to Mulder how one word "Truth" gave the Golem Life, the removal of one Hebrew Character "Aleph" changes that word to the Hebrew word for "Dead" and can be used to kill it.
Here are words in several forms and using different cultures - The Nazi Printer has Nazi Propaganda posters all over his wall - Another example of how words were used to bring death to a lot of people. In the same way the Hebrew Mythology is accurately explained, in precise technical detail. When we see the Nazi working in his Print Shop, he is using either an AB-Dick 360 or 385 Printing Press, and the man's hand movements are exactly what one would do when feeding ink into the system. And every Printer would always look at the Delivery end of the machine to examine the Copy, just like what this man did.
This is why The X Files, and this Episode in particular, always felt right, when these kinds of stories were told. Because a lot of research was always put into the creation of the stories, and they get a lot of technical details correct, although pushed to the limit.
Whether it was Science being bent, Religion, Alien Abduction facts, even details regarding things like the Kennedy Assassination (Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man)- Or Past Life Experiences (The Field where I Died) - They always got their facts straight - At least, the same facts that had been published in the Books about the Paranormal at the time the episodes were aired.
Using correct details regarding a multitude of things, this episode tells a sensitive tale in a profound and unique way.
Not to mention, I've always loved stories about Golems - It's Fringe Bible Science. I always thought Chris Carter treated Religion with Respect- Regardless of which Religion.
Throughout the Ages Words have been used to either bring us incredible tapestries of beauty, or dank cesspits of corruption. Sometimes the two things use the same phrases. And so what we have here is a visualization of how words can kill or heal, depending on their use or misuse.
This X-Files episode is Authentic in all detail, Mulder is used to explain the Myth of the Golem in great detail. I've read through old Hebrew Mysticism texts, and whoever wrote this got a lot of detail exactly right. So when the young Rabbi explains to Mulder how one word "Truth" gave the Golem Life, the removal of one Hebrew Character "Aleph" changes that word to the Hebrew word for "Dead" and can be used to kill it.
Here are words in several forms and using different cultures - The Nazi Printer has Nazi Propaganda posters all over his wall - Another example of how words were used to bring death to a lot of people. In the same way the Hebrew Mythology is accurately explained, in precise technical detail. When we see the Nazi working in his Print Shop, he is using either an AB-Dick 360 or 385 Printing Press, and the man's hand movements are exactly what one would do when feeding ink into the system. And every Printer would always look at the Delivery end of the machine to examine the Copy, just like what this man did.
This is why The X Files, and this Episode in particular, always felt right, when these kinds of stories were told. Because a lot of research was always put into the creation of the stories, and they get a lot of technical details correct, although pushed to the limit.
Whether it was Science being bent, Religion, Alien Abduction facts, even details regarding things like the Kennedy Assassination (Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man)- Or Past Life Experiences (The Field where I Died) - They always got their facts straight - At least, the same facts that had been published in the Books about the Paranormal at the time the episodes were aired.
Using correct details regarding a multitude of things, this episode tells a sensitive tale in a profound and unique way.
Not to mention, I've always loved stories about Golems - It's Fringe Bible Science. I always thought Chris Carter treated Religion with Respect- Regardless of which Religion.
Best episode of season 4 so far
mrwb7721 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Very interesting concept, the golem, rising to take revenge on the murderous neo nazi anti semitic scum who killed its prior living lookalike.
Scully trying to rationalise it I found quite amusing too. Thoroughly enjoyed the episode.
The government conspiracy Alien mythology episodes haven't aged well at all in my view. The monster episodes can be fantastic though, like this one.
Plus we now know the UAPs almost certainly come from our oceans, not outer space!
Scully trying to rationalise it I found quite amusing too. Thoroughly enjoyed the episode.
The government conspiracy Alien mythology episodes haven't aged well at all in my view. The monster episodes can be fantastic though, like this one.
Plus we now know the UAPs almost certainly come from our oceans, not outer space!
Fantastic episode
astrum_umi18 September 2022
An episode that left my heart aching but also made me feel a sense of joy and thankfulness I'd say, a bitter sweet episode I'd call it perhaps.
I would not int any way say it's racist, I found it beautiful and if anything I rather felt more of a curiosity to learn more about the Jewish faith and especially about the more Orthodox Jews. But then again, I'm not Jewish and shouldn't tell Jews if they should feel offended or not.
In my eyes it was an incredibly beautiful story and one of few episode as of late that has held me completely captivated. Other episodes have been good, fantastic even, but this one captured my heart.
I would not int any way say it's racist, I found it beautiful and if anything I rather felt more of a curiosity to learn more about the Jewish faith and especially about the more Orthodox Jews. But then again, I'm not Jewish and shouldn't tell Jews if they should feel offended or not.
In my eyes it was an incredibly beautiful story and one of few episode as of late that has held me completely captivated. Other episodes have been good, fantastic even, but this one captured my heart.
Stupid Characters - Untrue Information - Terrible Acting
rebbeg-194-62600923 October 2011
As an orthodox Jew (who has not always been) it is always both hilarious and baffling how Hollywood and all other studios can never get it right when depicting orthodox Jews. The pronunciation of keys words such as Tatte being said as "tah tay" is ridiculous! For goodness sake people get a real orthodox person as a consultant PLEASE!!!. If only they could create something really exciting to depict the stories of the Golem with realistic Jewish characters. If only Steven Spielberg would take up a project like this. Maybe it would be done right. Even the facts of creating a Golem was never done this was 2000 years ago. Not unless you are thinking of the source of Sanhedrin 65b. They should have base their sources much later with the Maharal of Prague. Even the name Isaac Luria, supposedly based on the "Ari" is so off. I was so hoping for something believable. This was awfully fake, as most depictions of religious Jews are.
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