SEA Change

“Like many other progressive Jews, I’ve accepted as real the false narrative that simply being Jewish made me a part of the brotherhood against racial injustice.”

— SEA Change Participant

Study – Engage – Act ––> CHANGE

We actively participate in creating change, both internally in our Congregation and externally in the broader community to pursue equity and justice to heal our fractured world. This includes new endeavors such as congregants forming and participating in Affinity Groups, the Greeter Program, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice programming, and through working together with interfaith and community organizing groups on social justice issues.

SEA Change is an opportunity to work together with congregants and others in our community to address long-term inequities. We engage on a personal level, through listening sessions and one-to-one conversations and incorporate community building into action and programming on issues that are important to our members.

All WHC congregants are invited to join in ongoing S.E.A. Change work within and outside the congregation. For more information, please contact Lauren Lieberman at LLieberman@whctemple.org.

"I’ve determined that as a privileged, White American, I want to help turn back systemic racism. As a Jew, I feel I must do more than want…I need to take some action."

— SEA Change Participant

“Indifference to oppression is just as dangerous as active oppression. This is an idea that has been drilled into every Jew’s head. If we don’t actively fight against oppression, then we support it…We have to fight against the oppression of African Americans.”

— SEA Change Participant

Upcoming Events

Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) DC Economic Justice Working Group
Wednesday, December 18, 6:00-7:30 pm, in person or via Zoom
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, 2027 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Join the Economic Justice Working Group meeting on Zoom or in person to discuss current campaigns and how they are working with our partners to build a DC where everyone can live and thrive. RSVP here

If you are interested in getting involved in Economic Justice efforts through WHC, please contact Jay Falk (DC) or Laura Loeb (MD and VA).

Eviction Prevention at the Enclave
Dozens of tenants at the Enclave Apartments in Silver Spring, many of whom are Afghan refugees, are facing eviction. The tenants need pro bono legal counsel to fight the evictions in rent court. If you can provide such help or connect the tenants to lawyers with this kind of experience who are willing to help pro bono, please contact Tonia Chestnut, Enclave Tenant Association President, tonia.m.chestnut@gmail.com or (917) 981-9930.

Reaching Out To Neurodiverse Individuals & Their Families
Are you neurodiverse or do you have a neurodiverse friend or family member who would like to be more involved in WHC Temple life? If so, please contact Jennifer Berzok at KatzBerzok@gmail.com (Board member and mother of a 19-year-old son with autism).

Resources for Creating an Inclusive Community
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has information about providing the tools to raise awareness and advocate for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities and advance inclusion. This crowd-sourcing guide is a community effort. You can learn more about these available resources HERE or call 301-230-7200.