Colonies, Communists and Community

As we continue to watch what may unfold at the U.S. border with Mexico in 2025 with great concern, we will travel back in time to a border town where thousands of Jewish refugees gathered in the late 19th century. The town was Brody, located on a railroad line just a few miles from the border of Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With a centuries-old history as a thriving center of Jewish life, Brody was deluged by thousands of desperate refugees fleeing violent pogroms. Yet within this tumultuous time, seeds were being planted that would grow in the soils of other nations around the world, from Canada and America, to Argentina and Israel. A visionary movement known as Am Olam brought hope, idealism and a way forward in a dark time. Join us as we explore why and discover personal connections to this fascinating but often overlooked chapter in the Jewish story.

The Philosophy Minyan is a monthly lunchtime series on Zoom. All are welcome to join in an interactive and thought-provoking exploration of topics at the intersection of philosophy, Jewish thought and contemporary issues. No advance reading is required and participants will receive online access to all the class materials following each session.

Be sure to check the Beth Am calendar for future class descriptions and any schedule changes, as well as to register for individual sessions.

If you would like to be added to the email list for monthly Philosophy Minyan reminders and the Zoom link, or have a great topic you would like to suggest, please contact Shelley.

Please use the form below to register and receive Zoom access information.