Interfaith group continues to dialogue

By Linda M. Linonis

Jewish-Christian Studies began in 1974.

BOARDMAN — “We expand the prism of how to look at Scripture,” said Rabbi Joel Berman about the relevance of the Jewish-Christian Studies group.

The group, which usually meets at 2 p.m. Wednesdays at Ohev Tzedek, 5245 Glenwood Ave., began in 1974. With summer at hand, it’s best to call ahead to Ohev Tzedek to confirm the meeting.

Rabbi Berman got involved five years ago when the Rev. George Balasko, pastor of St. Ann Church in East Palestine, made contact with him. “He walked into my office the first week I was here,” Rabbi Berman recalled. Since then, they’ve led the interfaith discussion group.

The group, which began as Jewish-Christian Studies, was formed after Father Balasko and Rabbi Samuel Meyer served on panel at Youngstown State University. Both had a keen interest in interfaith discussion. Rabbi Meyer died in 1982 but the discussion group continues. And, an annual event, the Rabbi Samuel Meyer Memorial Lecture, was begun as a tribute to his ecumenical efforts.

“It’s a means to understand our neighbors, and understand ourselves,” said Father Balasko.

Rabbi Berman said the group takes a text from Hebrew Scripture or the New Testament and he and Father Balasko offer respective interpretations and thoughts.

“It’s not a big group but it has good range,” said Rabbi Berman of the participants, whose faith backgrounds include Catholic, Evangelical and Methodist.

Father Balasko said even though the group number may fluctuate, it’s offering this kind of adult education that is important. “Even if people don’t come, it’s available,” he said. But, he noted, because of word-of-mouth and other publicity, participants continue to show up.

“The majority of people come to learn,” Father Balasko said.

Rabbi Berman said Jews and Christians don’t have the best history. But, he pointed out, that changed in 1964 when the document, In Our Time, came out of Vatican II Council. “This was important. It spelled out that Judaism was the parent religion of Christianity,” he said. “Jewish interpretation of Scripture was validated ... at least for Jews. We have a covenant that’s never been broken,” Rabbi Berman said of the Torah.

The interfaith group thrives on discussion, and there’s no recruiting. “There’s no proselytizing — just different points of view,” Rabbi Berman said. He said the group has discussed Psalm 2. “For Christians, it’s a religious experience. For Jews, it’s a national experience,” he said of the passage.

Father Balasko said that Christianity, Judaism and Islam are Abrahamic-rooted religions. The center point of Abraham may help people see connections among religions.

Father Balasko said in the near future he will be presenting a five-week course on “Getting to Know Paul” and Rabbi Berman also will have input.