THE STOLEN BEAM: A Study of Reparations for Descendants of Enslaved Africans in the United States

Mondays July 18th and 25th, August 1st, 8th, and 15th
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Led by Alison Marks and Shari Brenner
In the Ner Shalom Courtyard

The Torah’s very first and most central description of human beings is that we are all created b’tzelem Elohim — equally and uniquely in the image of God. This theology was radical in its time and remains radical today, despite the profound truth and simplicity of this claim. Black Lives Matter. The lives of our Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) neighbors and fellow Jews of Color matter. It is our obligation to do the holy work of racial justice so that the full humanity of all people may flourish and be fully honored.

Although the question of reparations for Indigenous people in the U.S. is an equally important one, this course focuses specifically on issues related to reparations for African Americans. It views reparations within the context of recent writings about U.S. history, post-Holocaust history, Jewish moral philosophy, and systemic racism.

Want to join the conversation?

• Are you committed to completing the entire 5-week series, even if you miss one in person?

• Are you committed to doing an hour each week reading assigned articles/watching assigned videos before each session, including the first one?

This series will be limited to 12 participants.