Series uniquely combines religious and multi-secular perspective on headline news and topical issues; Next premiere episode focusing on power & sexual harassment in the workplace airs February 7
Bishop Mark Beckwith, Imam W. Deen Shareef and Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz host NJTV’s A Matter of Faith with A Bishop, An Imam and A Rabbi
UPDATED February 1, 2018 – NEWARK, NJ — NJTV, New Jersey’s public television network, announced new episodes of its unique multi-faith local series, A Matter of Faith with a Bishop, an Imam and a Rabbi, will air this winter/spring. The series, hosted by Bishop Mark Beckwith, Imam W. Deen Shareef and Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz, examines today’s headlining news through the unique lens of three major religions: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. New episode will premiere on NJTV this February, March and April, giving viewers a seat at the table as the hosts vigorously discuss and debate high-profile issues sharing diverse perspectives on local, national and global issues.
The next new half-hour episode premieres February 7 at 8:30pm on NJTV (check local listings) and tackles the trending topic of power and sexual harassment in the workplace. Taped before a live audience, New Jersey Congressional Representative Bonnie Watson-Coleman and legal expert Mara Levin, partner in the firm of Herrick Feinstein, join the hosts to break down the current culture in politics and business as it relates to sexual harassment.
“We’ve made tremendous strides enforcing laws against discrimination and assuring that women are given opportunities to work in the workplace,” Watson Coleman says in the program, but she adds, “We have greater opportunity for the men in those workplaces to also abuse their power.” Watson Coleman, a democrat, talks frankly about the divisiveness of the issue in Congress, the lack of unity amongst women across the aisle, and the allegations of sexual harassment against President Trump. “It is very important for all of us to stay strong in these issues,” she shares, “and to raise the unacceptability of these issues, and to hold people, including the President of the United States of America, accountable for these deeds which are illegal, which are hateful, which are harmful, which are ugly and which are evil.”
“I know very few women actually who haven’t experienced harassment in the workplace,” says Levin in the program. “But I do believe that employers want very much for their environment to be safe and respectful.” Levin shares her personal experience facing harassment, and explains the challenges of educating employers and employees on what is and isn’t appropriate in the workplace.
Post-discussion, the Bishop, the Imam and the Rabbi close each episode with individual sermons or benedictions for broader perspective on the issues.
“There’s never been a better time to present a series that brings so many world views to the table and opens intelligent discourse about important topics,” said NJTV General Manager John Servidio. “And no other local show quite like it on the air with such diverse religious perspectives.”
A Matter of Faith with A Bishop, An Imam and A Rabbi is produced by Public Media NJ, Inc. John Servidio is Executive is Charge and Mike Kostel is Executive Producer.
The series debuted in 2017; watch previous episodes here: https://www.njtvonline.org/programs/matter-faith-bishop-imam-rabbi/
Upcoming episodes will air on March 7 and April 4 on NJTV (check local listings).
Support for A Matter of Faith with A Bishop, An Imam and A Rabbi is provided in part by the William & Mary Greve Foundation, Esme Usdan and the Lemberg Foundation, Ross Wisnewski and George Reeves, and by these funders: Madeline and Charles Dreifus and Donald and Margery Karp.
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About the Hosts and Producer
Bishop Mark Beckwith
Mark Beckwith is the tenth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. He co-founded and chairs Bishops United Against Gun Violence and is co-chair of the statewide Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey. Deeply committed to urban ministry, Bishop Beckwith has initiated homeless programs and soup kitchens in each congregation he has served in New Jersey and Massachusetts
Imam W. Deen Shareef
Imam W. Deen Shareef is the Imam of Masjid Waarith ud Deen in Irvington, New Jersey and the Convener of the Council of Imams in New Jersey. Previously he served as Director of Logistics and Industrial Opportunities in the Department of Economic & Housing Development and as Senior Advisor to Mayor Cory A. Booker. Committed to serving the spiritual, social, and economic needs of community, Imam Shareef co-founded Waris Cultural Center, Masjid Waarith ud Deen, and ComWealth Economic Development Corporation in New Jersey.
Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz
Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz is the Senior Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey. Previously he served as Senior Associate Rabbi of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City. A regular contributor to numerous professional publications, Rabbi Gewirtz is the author of “The Gift of Grief: Finding Peace, Transformation and Renewed Life after Great Sorrow” (Random House).
Mike Kostel, Executive Producer
Mike Kostel is a five time Emmy-award winner and twenty-time nominee with extensive experience developing, producing, writing and directing compelling television shows and special events in entertainment, sports, news and the arts. He has served as the executive producer of American Graduate Day at WNET and NJTV’s Emmy-nominated American Songbook at NJPAC.
