Greetings!
Our ongoing effort to promote interfaith education and understanding takes many forms. We are grateful and excited about the many opportunities for dialogue made possible by the generosity of our friends, supporters, and collaborating organizations. Thank you for your interest and continuing support of the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies.
Warmly,
Thomas Poynor
Assistant Director |
|
Board Member & Former CCJS Director Speaks to the Knights of Columbus on the Importance of Catholic Jewish Relations |
|
A presentation titled 'Catholic-Jewish Relations in America' was delivered by former Center director Tom Buckridge in Rabun County, Georgia on June 12 to Knights of Columbus members. Rabun County is located in the furthest reaches of the Atlanta Archdiocese imbedded in the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering on both North and South Carolina. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal organization focused upon service to local parishes and in community service.  Tom is a Knight who is active in his Georgia parish and with members of the Knights of Columbus in recruitment. The presentation was addressed to Catholic men who are involved in the Church and eager to learn more about the progress that has been made in Catholic-Jewish relations since the time of Nostra Aetate in 1965. Attention was paid to the contributions of Jewish and Catholic leaders over the years with a focus upon how the American south has shown a strong interest in bringing Catholics and Jews together in dialogue and understanding. Tom explained the leadership role of the American Jewish Committee in collaboration with the Center at St. Leo University toward bringing such dialogue to a larger constituency. He also gave credit to those institutions which have gone before us, such as Boston College and Seton Hall in the northern states. A synopsis of 'where we are' on Catholic-Jewish relations and the challenges facing us in moving further to higher levels of understanding were discussed. Tom also shared his personal experiences, particularly the interactions with Jews over the past 12 years working with the Center. He shared detailed examples as to how his Jewish friends had a positive influence upon his prayer life and how his prayers had changed for the better due to these influences. Photo caption: Lou Bonadies (left), District State of Georgia Deputy, Knights of Columbus with Tom Buckridge at podium.
|
|
The American Jewish Committee Appoints New Executive Director of West Coast Florida Chapter |
|
Brian D. Lipton has been appointed by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) as the Executive Director for the West Coast of Florida. Mr. Lipton who joined the AJC in 2007 as the Director of Development brings to the position over 20 years of sales and corporate training experience.  Desiring to give back to the community, Mr. Lipton joined the Jewish Non-Profit world in 2003 as an award winning JCC Director of Membership. Mr. Lipton studied Sociology at City University of London and Bar-Ilan University in Israel before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree at Washington University in St. Louis. He then went on to earn a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from St. Louis University School of Law. Mr. Lipton's plans include expanding the presence of the American Jewish Committee on the West Coast of Florida and developing fundraising initiatives to support the national and international efforts of the organization. He has generously donated his time to meet with Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies Executive Director, Michael Tkacik, to plan a collaborative effort to promote and support the Walking God's Paths program in Sarasota. Walking God's Paths is a six session educational curriculum designed to stimulate candid conversation between Jewish and Christian Congregations. Given the great success of the program in the past, Mr. Lipton and the AJC are eager to support the ongoing ecumenical work of the Center.
For over a century, the AJC has worked to safeguard minorities; fight terrorism, anti-Semitism, hatred and bigotry; pursue social justice; advance human dignity; support Israel's right to exist in peace and security, defend religious freedom and provide humanitarian relief to those in need. Through innovative programs, education, research, media outreach, and extensive diplomatic advocacy, AJC works to advance freedom, liberty, tolerance and mutual respect.
|
