The UPLift with Tzedek: Real Talk for Real Change

What happens when a community lifeline is forced to fight for its own survival? For 25 years, Tranzmission has advocated for and supported transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and gender-diverse people across Western North Carolina. Today, as attacks on trans rights and safety escalate across the U.S. South, the need for that work is growing while funding shrinks. In this episode, we talk with Tranzmission’s executive director, Jékksyn Ícaro, about what community care looks like when resources f...

As antisemitism rises in our streets, schools, and politics, how do we build solidarity that protects both Jewish communities and democracy itself? In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, we're lifting up the layered, powerful stories of what it means to be Jewish in the US South today. From sacred rituals to real-talk resistance, this episode explores identity, resilience, and chutzpah in pursuing the moral imperative to fight for a better world. This month's guests—Abby Levine, Lisa For...

Can one person really make a difference? This month, we put that question to the test—and the answer is a resounding YES! In this episode of The UPLift, Ms. Sophie Dixon shares her hard-won wisdom, reminding us that community connection is where the magic happens. About Ms. Sophie: From serving 15 years as President of the Shiloh Community Association to co-founding WRES 100.7 FM, Ms. Sophie Dixon's work has shaped Asheville across generations, including leading the local NAACP branch and lau...

When disaster strikes, how do we rise—not just as individuals, but as a collective? In this episode, we reflect on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and ask: Can 2025 be the year of revolutions, not just resolutions? Let’s find out! Join the Tzedek team as we reflect on how shared humanity and bold collaboration can help us rebuild—not only in the wake of Helene but in co-creating a more equitable and sustainable future. Our conversation explores the transformative power of connection—how mea...

How do we harness the power of joy to build a more inclusive world? The Asheville Jewish Community Center's (JCC) Executive Director, Ashley Lasher, has some ideas on how "Jewish Joy" can unlock community and connection both in and beyond shared religion, tradition, ancestry, values, and experience. Listen in as we discuss the vital role of the JCC in strengthening Jewish identity, celebrating Jewish culture, and building a more inclusive community in Western North Carolina. About Ashley: Ash...

Happy Pride Month and Happy Juneteenth! Both celebrations commemorate the relentless pursuit of liberation, honoring the places we've been and progress we've made while pushing for continued change. In this episode, we're serving Funder-Frontline Realness in welcoming Zeke Christopoulos, our new Director of Mindful Operations & Finance. As a Middle Eastern, Jewish, queer, trans person, Zeke brings a depth of intersectional personal and professional experiences to Tzedek. Get to know Zeke...

Good vibes incoming! This month, we brought the mics to the Tzedek Connect table, digging into how our pasts impact who we are and how we show up in our social justice work today. Featuring voices from various backgrounds, these beautiful reflections illuminate the diverse paths that have led us to this moment. From favorite foods to family values, from "otherness" to overcoming, these childhood fragments influence our social change strategies and selves (whether we like it or not). Our hear...