Golem is a multi-media sculpture primarily constructed from foam and cardboard and with a coating of terra cotta slip. It represents the creature from Jewish folklore known as the Golem. In times of great crisis, cultures construct heroes and legends to give themselves hope and to strengthen their resolve and communal bonds. Golems are giant, man-made humanoid figures sculpted from clay created for the purpose of acting as guardians over the Jewish people to protect them from those who sought to harm them. Upon its forehead is always written the Hebrew word Emet meaning “Truth,” for its cracks and texture are the result of thousands of years of fighting for survival against bigotry. With today’s alarming spike in antisemitism and hate crimes against those of the Jewish faith, a protector is needed now more than ever. The Golem also symbolizes the universal need all cultures have to seek out through larger than life figures community, safety, protection, and hope.

The work represents both the suffering the Jewish people have been subjected to, while also showing how they have been able to survive such great hardship by relying on their will and community to support themselves even through the darkest of times. As the Golem’s incredible strength emblemizes, the Jewish people will not be broken, and their truth will stand through time.