Learn about literacy in the Bible at council event

The Christian-Jewish Council of Greater Charleston will hold its first 2013 program on Biblical Literacy, “Literacy in the Sacred Texts – Knowledge of the Bible” on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) Reform Congregation, 90 Hasell St. Many of us are not fully knowledgeable in or are unsure of the Biblical texts underlying our faith. Though this may be an embarrassment, it is simply a fact. A fact that challenges us to a learning opportunity about these treasured texts and their importance to each of us. We will address questions about knowledge of these texts, their relevance for today and possible action plans.

Dr. Jim Sawers as moderator, is a Christian-Jewish Council board member and a retired Methodist Minister.

Dr. Jim Pitts is a Baptist minister, retired university chaplain and professor of religion emeritus at Furman University. An experienced pastoral counselor, he has worked in congregational, hospital and academic settings. He is a graduate of Furman University, Southeastern Seminary and Southern Seminary. He is editor of www.NextSundayWorship.com. Since its founding in 1991, Dr. Pitts has served as the chairman of Smyth & Helwys Publishing. The Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary is praised as the most comprehensive scholarly commentary on the Hebrew Bible and the Christian New Testament.

Rabbi Tony Holz is the rabbi emeritus of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), the oldest Reform Jewish Congregation in North America. He retired in 2010. Rabbi Holz is a graduate of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, Ohio. Rabbi Holz also served congregations in Pretoria (South Africa), Columbus (Ohio), and Duluth (Minnesota). His community and youth leadership, educational skills and Torah training are widely recognized and commended.

The Judaic gift shop willbe open following the program. If you have questions regarding the location, you may contact KKBE Reform Congregation at 843-723-1090. Parking is available across the street.

This program is free and open to the entire community. The Christian-Jewish Council of Greater Charleston (CJC) is an organization that seeks to build bridges of understanding to promote sensitivity, tolerance, respect and fellowship among all faith groups. C-JC is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization; donations are welcome. Its website is www.CharlestonCJC.org