The Stolen Beam Series

The Social Justice Team and Adult Education Team of First Church are partnering with the Jewish Community of Amherst to offer “The Stolen Beam Series” this fall! on the controversial topic of reparations.

Beginning on October 10 we will offer 6 sessions on Sunday evenings by zoom from 7pm until 8:30pm: October 10, 17, 24, November 7, 14, and 21.

The first five sessions will be facilitated by the JCA of Amherst and the final session will be a recap facilitated by the S.J. and Adult Ed Teams. This course requires reading, viewing, active participation, and a commitment to show up for each session. If you are able to make that commitment, please sign up through this event link or leave a message for Jill in the office at 413-567-6287. 

What is “The Stolen Beam”?

The Stolen Beam is a 5-class educational and interactive series created by members of the Reparations Committee of the Jewish Community of Amherst (JCA). It was developed after many months of in-depth study and discourse of the topic of Reparations, including readings of U.S. history as it pertains to the enslavement of African Americans, Reconstruction, terroristic lynchings, and systemic discrimination, Jewish moral philosophy, and post-Holocaust history. The course also includes selected readings/videos of those who oppose Reparations. Some of the thought leaders we will read and/or hear through videos include Ta-Nehisi Coates, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Susan Nieman, Rabbi Sharon Brous, William Darity and Kristen Mullen.

The Stolen Beam course is not a “taught” course in any conventional sense of the word. Rather, it is an experience where a group of committed individuals discuss and reflect upon important works in the field of Reparations, with all of its complexity, in order to create a more nuanced understanding of this topic. JCA Reparations Committee members Jeff Gold and Michael Burkart will serve as facilitators. Those who register for this course should commit themselves to both the assigned readings/videos and attendance for all 5 classes.