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.

Susan Wolf is fascinated with spice boxes that are a part of the ritual for the ending of the Sabbath. Spice boxes are used in ÒHavdalahÓ ceremonies, they are passed around to smell the sweetness of the Sabbath and to carry that into the week ahead. SusanÕs grandmother had an elegant spice box made of silver that was about twelve inches high, and had a base like an ornate candlestick.ÒIt had a tall column, like a tower, and on top was a little house,Ó she said. ÒThere was a door you could open on one side to put cinnamon and cloves in. It was a little fairytale fantasy Ð beautiful and distant.Ó

Susan works with porcelain and stoneware, and is planning to make some spice boxes, as well as candlesticks, mezzuzahs and menorahs. She is also inspired by the Masada, an historic Jewish fortress, and hopes to make some Ògigantic menorahsÓ reminiscent of it. She has an image of these menorahs as Òhuge, bleak, dry, unapproachable, with little candles all clustered together on top.Ó

 

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