(Charleston, February 1, 2013). The Christian-Jewish Council of Greater Charleston will hold its first program of the New Year on Biblical Literacy. Many of us are not knowledgeable or unsure of the Biblical texts underlying our faith.  Though this may be an embarrassment, it is simply a fact.  One that challenges us to a learning opportunity about these treasured texts and what is important to each of us. We will address questions about what is the status of these texts, has there been a loss of knowledge, their relevance today, and what could be an action plan to learn what one wants to learn. We have organized a program to address these issues.

Program title: Literacy of the Sacred – Knowledge of the Bible

Date and time: Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Speakers: Moderator: Dr. Jim Sawers, a Christian-Jewish Council board member and a retired ordained 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 and www.NextSundayGallery.com.  Since its founding in 1991, Dr. Pitts he 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.  Smyth & Helwys serves over 3,000 congregations with literature and on-line study resources.

                 Rabbi Tony Holz is the rabbi emeritus Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) in Charleston, the oldest Reform Jewish Congregation in North Americathe Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute Of Religion (HUC-JIR), Cincinnati, Ohio. During Rabbi Holz’s 42 years in the rabbinate he also served in various congregations in Pretoria, South Africa, Columbus, Ohio, and Duluth, Minnesota. and Charleston's Beth Elohim From 1992 Till He Retired In 2010.  His community leadership, educational skills, youth leadership, and Torah training has been widely recognized and commended. 

            Location: Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) (Jewish) Reform Congregation, 90 Hasell St., (downtown) Charleston, SC, tel: 843-723-1090. We have made special arrangements for the beautiful gift shop at KKBE to be open following the program.  (Parking available across the street)

The Christian-Jewish Council of Greater Charleston is an organization that seeks to build bridges of understanding to promote sensitivity, tolerance, respect and fellowship among faith groups.

This program is free and open to the entire community. The Christian-Jewish Council is an IRS 501(3)C designated organization. Donations are welcome.