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

TI SEA Change:

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD The Maryland General Assembly session opens on January 14, 2026, legislators will take up critical bills that impact immigrants, tenants, youth justice, climate, education and more.  The Maryland legislature has a short session of only 90 days, during which time thousands of bills are introduced and hundreds are enacted. Constituents’ (OUR!!) voices are crucial. When we do not show up, legislators may only hear one perspective – and may pass laws that don’t support our needs or values.

HOW CAN YOU BEGIN? Start by finding your legislative district and your elected representatives at the Maryland General Assembly’s website https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/members/district .  

Watch for TI SEA Change Updates for opportunities to get involved in the issues that are important to you. 

TI SEA Change:

If you are seeking an opportunity to “do something” please follow up on opportunities below or reach out for a one-to-one discussion on ways you can get involved.  https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/sea-change/ 

PROTECTING OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS

TI Immigration Action Team Meeting:

Thursday, December 18, 2026  at 7pm in the TI Library.  

Laura Wallace of Jews United for Justice will talk about ways for us to advocate, collectively and individually to protect immigrants.

Please contact Judi Fleitman , if you plan to attend or if you have questions.

Jews United for Justice Montgomery County Community Safety and Justice Team Meeting, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 7:00 PM –  8:30 PM ET Join JUFJ for our next team meeting to discuss ongoing campaigns to transform public safety and immigrant justice in our County. There will be discussion of the new school code of conduct and the Trust Act (immigrant protections), which will be formally introduced that morning.  Register Here

TRUST ACT PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing for the (Montgomery County)  Trust Act (codifying immigrant protections) is Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM. If you are interested in attending with Jews United for Justice, Please email for more information. If you are able to write testimony, JUFJ offers robust resources including a testimony template – https://jufj.org/mc-testimony-guide-2025/

WISH LIST FOR IMPACTED FAMILIES

This wish list, coordinated by the Montgomery County Immigrant Rights Collective, is for gifts for local families impacted by ICE detention – Access the Wish List , place your order by December 14 and choose “delivery” so that gifts are delivered to the MoCo IRC coordinating team.

NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY!!! 

Living Faith Lutheran Church Food Pantry

Help support our neighbors by donating to our friends at the Food Pantry at Living Faith Lutheran Church. Each $25 individual donation purchases about 28 pounds of critically needed food per family. You can donate online by clicking here and choosing the LFLC Food Pantry option, or by clicking below. For volunteer opportunities, contact Anna Levy or Judi Fleitman.


L
ooking for other ways to support our immigrant neighbors? 
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.