The idea for a Judaica show at The Main Gallery grew from the interest of a group of people at the gallery who are Jewish, and who wanted to explore in an artistic form the importance of Jewish history, rituals and family. The title for the show, "A Mekhaye!" is a Yiddish phrase meaning "What a Joy!" There are some dark themes in the artwork, but artists Nina Koepcke, Elizabeth Noerdlinger, Jeannine Redon, Judith Serebrin and Susan Wolf are also looking at the joy and pleasure they derive from being Jewish and learning about Judaism. The work includes drawings, prints, paintings and clay sculpture.

Jeannine Redon was intrigued by the idea of a Judaica show. She feels she comes from a slightly different angle, having been raised a French Catholic, and then converting to Judaism in Rome at the time of her marriage. The idea for the title of the show comes from JeannineÕs mother-in-law, who would pat her chest when she was delighted and say, "Guta mekhaye!" Jeannine is working with prisma color pencils and is focusing on Jewish cooking, kashrut and humorous possibilities. She did not want to be political or extra-religious in her consideration. She is including references to Florida in her drawings, ÒFlorida will be present in my drawings. My husbandÕs family lives in Miami. I consider Florida to be part of Jewish culture.Ó Jeannine tries to define her drawings as much as possible first with black pencil, and then adds color, choosing the color depending on how she feels at the moment.

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