Tikvat Israel Congregation

SEA Change

Tikvat Israel is a member congregation of the SEA Change DMV Network. Click here to learn more. 

SEA Change = Study, Engage, Act, Change

• Studying to learn more about the history, context & complexities of the inequities and social justice challenges we face,

• Engaging to build relationships with congregants, other synagogues and community partners that include those most impacted by social inequities, and

• Acting with partners to achieve systemic change.

Social Justice focuses on addressing the root causes of inequities, whereas Social Action focuses on the symptoms. For example, taking action to address homelessness through legislation that increases low income housing in our communities provides access to legal counsel for tenants facing eviction, increases the minimum wage, and access to mental health services are examples of how we work together with partners to address root causes of inequality.

We (SEA Change) are a network of synagogues fostering relationships and organizing internally and externally to create more equitable and inclusive communities.

• We ground our work in Jewish values and community organizing principles.

• We look internally within our congregations at ways we can act to make our own synagogues more equitable and welcoming to all.

• We engage our congregations to work with each other and with experienced advocacy organizations to take actions that promote social, racial, environmental, and economic justice.

Several TI members participated in the second local SEA Change cohort in 2022, along with members of other local Jewish congregations and organized in partnership with JOIN for Justice.

Tikvat Israel joined SEAChange in May, 2022 and has a core team led by Anna Levy, Debbie Amster and Roni Silverstein. For more information contact Anna Levy at or Roni Silverstein at

You can find opportunities to participate through our partners’ web sites:

Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) – https://jufj.org/

Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) – https://ipldmv.org/

Action in Montgomery (AIM) – https://www.actioninmontgomery.org/

What social justice interests might you about share with TI-SEAChange? Fill out our survey.interest form by clicking here.

Join our listserv to keep posted on upcoming events:

 

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE

Looking for Ways to Support Our Immigrant Neighbors? 

Join us for our next team meeting to discuss ongoing campaigns to transform public safety in our County. https://jufj.org/event/mc-rep-6-10/ 

  • Monthly immigration Know Your Rights (KYR) canvasses: June 8 and 21. Knowing a second language can be useful, but isn’t required. 
  • Training to accompany migrants to ICE/ISAP check ins and court hearings. Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and Congregation Action Network. 
  • KYR Immigration Enforcement Bystander Training (by CASA), in-person or online, June 25, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Opportunities for attorneys (immigration law experience not required)  to volunteer to assist with immigration proceedings through CASA and for folks to volunteer as mentors and language partners through HIAS.

If you are interested in these opportunities or others, to work on protecting our immigrant neighbors, contact Judi Fleitman, 

If you are interested in these opportunities or
others, to work on protecting our immigrant neighbors, contact Judi Fleitman,

You are invited! Tikvat Israel SEA Change wants to
hear what you care about! 

Watch for sign ups for “house” meetings this summer. We
plan to host small discussion groups in members’ homes or at Tikvat Israel.
What are the most important issues that we should be addressing to be a more
inclusive congregation community, within Tikvat Israel and our surrounding communities?
How can you participate? How would you like to be involved?

Action in Montgomery (AIM) 

https://www.actioninmontgomery.org/ 

Watch for dates and registration

·        
A Montgomery County-wide listening campaign
meeting in June to develop the issue agenda for the 2026 local and state
elections. The listening session will be an opportunity to build
relationships with new leaders, congregations, and communities, expand the power base, and help shape the issues that the 2026 elections are about.

·        In July/August, the 3 Just Power Alliance
organizations will participate in training on listening across differences
with a focus on equity.

·        September (proposed): The Maryland Just
Power Alliance will gather to publicly announce our listening campaigns

Celebrate Community, Honor Culture, Embrace Freedom at
the Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival! June 14 – 19 https://mailchi.mp/802eede0e281/7qipqtz28e-41014?e=5def321309

The Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival is the DMV
region’s largest Juneteenth celebration and cultural event, dedicated to
honoring and supporting the historic Black communities in our area. The 2025
Festival, now in its third year.  Experience an unforgettable event filled
with lively music, dance, engaging activities, and an atmosphere of celebration
and unity. 

There will be opportunities for SEA Change DMV
Congregations to volunteer – watch for more information.

From SEA Change partner, Interfaith Power & Light (IPL):
Go solar at home, together with neighbors!

Have you ever wondered if you could power your home with
solar panels? Learn more about the process through our playlist
of home solar workshops hosted by our faith communities.

·        
Solar United Neighbors’ Switch Together Spring
2025 purchasing group for solar panels is open now, welcoming homeowners in
Northern Virginia, DC, and Montgomery, Frederick, and Prince George’s counties:
bit.ly/faithinsolar 

·        
Civic Works can help homeowners in Baltimore and
surrounding counties as well as Anne Arundel County to go solar at home, too:
civicworks.com/solar

·        
Additionally, anyone who pays an energy bill in
Maryland or DC can subscribe to a community solar project:
nsunsolar.com/ipl

Sign up to receive SEA Change emails: Click here to send an email with your name, phone number and e-mail address and we will add you to our list to receive regular information about our upcoming activities.

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