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.

Judith Serebrin has a deep appreciation for Òso many things about the Jewish culture,Ó and the rich history of crafts and symbolism associated with Jewish ritual. She feels itÕs a pleasure to be able to participate in those traditions and to put her creative talents toward exploring her connection to Judaism and Jewish issues. She says, ÒItÕs a continuous process of learning.Ó She is having fun making Hamsas, which are hand-like symbols. There are a lot of superstitions in the history of the Jews. ÒThese are one of the superstitious items I like," Wolf said. Hamsas come from the Middle East, it is related to the number five in both Hebrew and Arabic languages. The number five, the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet - 'hay' is a visual way of representing God. Hamsas ward off the evil eye or bring good luck. Judith's Hamsas are made from carved porcelain, then stained, some glazed. She has been very influenced by stone and ceramic reliquaries and antiquities found in the Middle East. She is also making tiny traveling Shabbat candlestick boxes, mezuzahs and menorahs. She has a fondness for menorahs as Hanukkah is her favorite holiday. ÒIt started off as a secular holiday and itÕs a story of liberation,Ó she said. ÒI can connect to it.Ó She would like to make a Havdalah set which includes a candleholder, spice box and wine glass.

Judith is also making some figurative sculptures with Star-of-David heads. The figures are about family and relationships, and how anti-Semitism has affected some of the relationships and individuals in the family. Some of the figures will be decorated with colorful drawings that Judith does in acrylic paints and black ink.

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