According to Hebraic traditions, one could mold a servant out of clay or mid and bring it to life by putting some Torah parchment either in its bosom or in its mouth, and by writing “EMET(H)” (“LIFE”) on its forehead. The creature would then live and obey its Master, but having no soul nor brain, it could become dangerous and get out of control if taking an order too literally.  To stop it, one would have to erase the first letter of the word, which would give “MET(H)” (“DEATH”) The Golem would then fall apart and go back to its original state of inanimate material.

Golems  © Jewish beliefs
Drawing  © me