Dobush from Kar Aza, Israel referred me to this photo of a Star of David on the cover of Max Brod’s book, Reubeni Furst Der Juden (Prince of the Jews), Munchen, 1925. The book is offered for sell at an Israeli bookstore called Simple Books/josef-inheritance. (Copyright: Simple Books 2008).
The reason the Star of David appears on this book cover is, most probably, that legends tell about David HaReubeni, 16th century Jewish leader who had a flag with the Star of David on it. Some say that the Magen David’s name came from David HaReubeni and not from Biblical King David.
From Wikipedia entry Max Brod
Max Brod (May 27, 1884 – December 20, 1968) was an Austrian (later Czech) author, composer, and journalist of Jewish origin, later settled in Israel.
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From: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6541458.html
Halter, Marek. The Messiah. Toby. Apr. 2008. c.485p. tr. from French by Lauren Yoder. ISBN 978-1-59264-216-8. $24.95. F
The author of both historical fiction (e.g., The Wind of the Khazars) and religious fiction (see the following review) turns to the 16th century and a little-known crusade by a Jewish prince who went to Italy to marshal support for a Jewish state in what is now modern-day Israel. David Reubeni, the prince of Chabor, claims that he is one of the descendants of the tribe of Reuben (one of the ten tribes out of 12 that disappeared from history). He is a prodigious scholar, a military genius, and an enigmatic figure in his white woolen tunic with the Star of David emblazoned on the front. After passing through deserts and traveling by ship from Arabia, he arrives in Venice and finds the Jews there and in other cities living in ghettos, impoverished and longing for the messiah to relieve their misery. Reubeni refuses their adoration and the appellation of messiah. He wants to establish a land where Jews can live in peace and to convince Pope Clement II of his mission; the key to his strategy is a Judeo-Christian alliance that could counter the growing influence of Islam across the Mediterranean. This exciting and well-researched book is highly recommended.—Molly Abramowitz, Silver Spring, MD
