Santa Ana’s Temple Beth Sholom named Monica Engel as the
congregant of the year for her enthusiasm for teaching Judaism to interfaith
families.
Raised in an Orthodox home, Engel’s own family scrapbook has
a different character, reflecting a blend of Judeo-Christian life-cycle events.
“It’s been a great experience telling my daughter-in-law who we are,” said
Engel of her son’s Christian wife. “We respect each other’s religion.”
Yet, Engel, 69, of Lake Forest, says her own family
situation is not what led her to undergo training in Cincinnati to become the
outreach point person in Orange County for the Reform movement’s Union of
American Hebrew Congregations.
“Intermarriage is a fact of Jewish life and it’s time we
opened our doors and made everyone welcome, not just Jews,” said Engel, who
said that at her own synagogue that interfaith couples felt marginalized
because of their ignorance of Jewish practices.
Beth Sholom in January will host for the third year Engel’s
six-week class, “New Beginnings,” which she subtitled “putting the ‘ish’ in
Jew.” In it, she explains daily customs such as Shabbat blessings. Rabbis
throughout the county use the class, along with another taught at the temple,
an introduction to Judaism taught by Rabbi Stephen J. Einstein, as a resource
for individuals considering conversion.
Engel also has taught numerous holiday workshops and shares
her experience as a Jewish grandparent at sisterhood conventions.
“I love being Jewish and I love our traditions and I love
sharing it with them,” Engel said.
