Prague - An academic institute dedicated to a legendary 16th- Century Jewish scholar Rabbi Judah Loew, also known as the Maharal of Prague, was opening in Prague Thursday.

The Maharal Institute plans to educate future rabbis, introducing them to Talmud, Jewish law, ethics and mysticism as well as to Loew's writings, said institute collaborator Tomas Jelinek.

Rabbi Loew's work has influenced generations of Jewish scholars but he has been best known for a legend according to which he had created the Golem, a man-like being with magic powers.

"People know him only as a Jewish magician," Jelinek said of Loew. "We want to study the thoughts that had once originated in Prague, explore that Maharal again."

The institute's founding opens a year of events commemorating the 400th anniversary of Loew's death in Prague in September 1609. His grave at the Old Town Cemetery is among the city's chief tourist attractions. (dpa)