HOLOCAUST survivor Leah Welbel and her granddaugher Cheryl who chose to marry out of Judaism are featured in the film “Out of Faith” which will be screened at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

Mittleman Center hosts film, discussion on intermarriage

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2008-12-01T00:00:00

With Jewish intermarriage rates in the western United States exceeding 50 percent, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center will present a Dec. 9 program that looks at issues that reach far beyond whether to have a Christmas tree next to the menorah.

The film “Out of Faith” —a documentary by L. Mark DeAngelis and Lisa Leeman (www.outoffaith.com)—will be shown at 7 p.m., Dec. 9 at the MJCC.

The film follows the Welbel family for three years as they struggle to resolve conflicts over interfaith marriage. Leah Welbel and her husband Eliezer are both Auschwitz survivors. Two of their grandchildren decide to marry out of the Jewish faith and, to Leah and Eliezer, this represents a posthumous victory for Hitler. This reaction, while seeming extreme to some, is a reality for many Jewish families.

“We reviewed this film internally and instantly knew this would spur a discussion that needs to happen in an open and welcoming environment” says Jordana Levenick, the Special Events Coordinator at the MJCC and, incidentally, in an interfaith marriage of her own.

Levenick was able to partner with an unlikely source for assistance in making this screening happen—The Portland Kollel—a Jewish learning organization run by Orthodox rabbis. The Kollel was responsible for bringing the film to the attention of the MJCC.

“We believe that Torah is for all,” says Rabbi Tzvi Fischer of the Portland Kollel. “If you want to learn, we are willing to teach. If you have questions, we are willing to discuss. But I am firm on my beliefs about interfaith marriage. I don’t like it and I don’t condone it.”

So why is it that he wants to assist in opening this discussion?

“Ultimately,” said Fischer, “… the Portland Kollel wants everyone to feel welcomed by the Jewish community. Jews, non-Jews, half-Jews, really anyone with an interest in Judaism. We believe it is vital that interfaith families feel welcome in the Jewish community and that the community is welcoming in return. Through this film we hope to open a discussion about what it means to each of us to be Jewish. We believe this is at the heart of the discussion.”

The film will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Levenick and Fischer. The panel includes film producer L. Mark DeAngelis; Michael Weingrad, Director of Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies at Portland State University; and Lois Shenker, life coach and author of the book “Welcome to the Family.” Shenker also leads the Mother’s Circle group at the MJCC, a learning and support group for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children and a Jewish Outreach Institute program.

“There are several goals for the evening,” said MJCC Director of Marketing Marisa Brown, who is also in an interfaith marriage. “We want intermarried couples to know that there’s a place for this discussion and dialogue within the community about this important topic. And we want in-married couples to address the importance of intermarried couples to their faith. How does it relate to individuals, families, and communities?”

The Mittleman Jewish Community Center is located at 6651 SW Capitol Highway in Portland.

The film and discussion are free but there is a suggested donation of $10 to help cover the costs. Persons interested in sponsoring the event should call Levenick at 503-244-0111.

“Everyone should feel welcome to attend and come with an open heart. There are no right or wrong opinions,” says Levenick. “But the topic needs discussion. We hope that this leads to several supporting events for this important and large group within our community.”