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 PARTICIPAT

Special Film Presentation, Sunday, February 3, 2025:

AIN’T NO BACK TO A MERRY-GO-ROUND offers a rare intimate lens on one protest in the early Civil Rights Movement, by Emmy-award winning director, Ilana Trachtman. Telling the story of one amusement park, Glen Echo Amusement Park near Washington, DC, one group of individuals, and one moment in time, the laser focus allows for deep understanding of the non-famous individuals whose efforts, sacrifices, and personal awakenings fueled the Civil Rights Movement. 

Join Tikvat Israel’s SEA Change for a viewing of this powerful film, followed by a moderated discussion led by Rabbi Israel, on February 23 at 2 pm. Admission is free, but donations of $18 per person are appreciated to help offset the cost of showing this timely and important film.

Click here for ticket information. 

 

AT TIKVAT ISRAEL:

Sunday, March 9, 2025 – with JUFJ (for Purim deliveries to legislators in Annapolis)

Purim bag decorating (Netivot, 10:30 – 11:00 am), 

Mishloach manot packing, 4:00 -6:00 pm in the library 

 

AIM (Action in Montgomery)

AIM Statewide Campaign 2025

  • Thurs, Jan 23, 7–8:30 pm, Zoom, Everything You Need to Know for Annapolis: Training for our Jan 30 and Feb 17 Advocacy Days – Learn how you can be an effective part of the small groups visiting our Delegates and Senators for our January and February Advocacy Days! We will also share logistical details and answer any questions you have

Register Here

 

  • Thursday, January 30, 9:00 am– 1:00 pm: Statewide Advocacy Day in Annapolis
    Register Here


  • Monday, February 17, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Statewide Advocacy Day in Annapolis
    Register Here

 

Mark your calendars! (more information to come)

  • Sunday, February 23, 2025 – screening of the documentary, Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round


  • Sunday, March 30, 2025 (tentative) – visit to Josiah Henson museum – time tbd