Leadership in Action: A J-LEV Participant’s Experience in Washington, D.C.

My experience going to Washington, D.C. with the San Antonio J-LEV (Jewish: Leadership, Engagement, Values) young leadership group sponsored by the Alamo Brandeis B’nai B’rith Lodge and the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, is an experience I will cherish for many years to come. Not only was I able to make new friends and get to know my cohort even better, but I was also able to be a part of something larger than myself. 

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This trip gave me a perspective bigger than my neighborhood and my Temple community in San Antonio. It also provided a bird’s eye view on a national level of our Jewish community and its needs. The trip inspired me to want to get involved in local leadership, and to educate people on the consequences of hatred, which I learned while at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.  I also learned of the possible effects of slashing vital resources that our community desperately depends upon, which I learned while advocating.  

While Israel was first attacked on October 7, 2023, I was in the process of converting to Judaism. This forced me to be acutely aware of antisemitism and more politics that I cared to learn about. Little did I know that all of this would come in handy later in life.   As I had finally found my spiritual “home” and Temple family as a married gay man, I was being faced with another side of judgement and negative responses brought on by the Israel and the war on Hamas. While one could say that I have not been Jewish for as long as others in our group in a literal sense, It was a sobering thought that while I struggle sometimes with my identity to Israel, my Jewishness could ultimately lead me to face a similar fate as the individuals we saw on the Holocaust tour whether I feel that connection or not. What was most shocking to me about this was that despite the treacherous waters our community continues to try to tread through, I am even more passionate and willing to put my values and beliefs ahead of the possible consequences. I learned that education is everything and standing up for what is right is essential to create a more peaceful world here on earth.  

I feel as though our San Antonio community, just like many others, are quick to judge the Jewish community based off current politics, and not as a religion. As we walked through the Holocaust Museum the day prior to our meeting with Capitol staff, we were somberly reminded that this kind of hate could happen to any group of people if not kept in check. Pertaining to this, a specific quote from the trip to the Holocaust Museum really resonated with me: 

 “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out- because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out- Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me- and there was no one left to speak for me”- Martin Niemöller. 

 Furthermore, I was very moved by my peers for several reasons. I was immediately impressed with our group’s ability to relate to one another, to show inclusion, and a sense of solidarity. It was inspirational to observe my peers speaking to staff at the Capitol and recounting their own personal experiences. During this trip, I was given the privilege of experiencing my first Tefillah using the Tefillin. To feel Hashem’s presence and warmth in the smiles around me made my heart dance.   I can say with certainty that I am more prepared for a leadership role in our community because of this trip. My peers and I dove into several different Jewish values while on our journey such as: Tikkun Olam, Gemilut Hasadim, Kehillah, B’tzelem Elohim, Tzedek, and Tikvah.  

Thank you so very much to the Jewish Federation of North America and San Antonio for allowing us to take this trip, and to Alamo Brandeis B’nai B’rith Lodge for the funding to make the trip possible. You made possible all the lessons I was able to learn in preparation for the work Hashem has in store for me in the years to come. 

 About J-LEV 
J-LEV (Jewish – Leadership, Engagement, Values) is the Jewish Federation of San Antonio’s Leadership Development Program, designed to cultivate the next generation of Jewish lay leaders in our community. Through a cohort-based model, participants engage in a series of interactive sessions that explore core Jewish values, leadership principles, and community-building strategies. The program offers a meaningful opportunity to develop leadership skills, build lasting relationships, and gain insight into San Antonio’s Jewish institutions and the many ways to get involved. 

Graduates of J-LEV emerge empowered—with the tools, confidence, and connections to lead and serve across the community in impactful ways. 

Visit our website for more information: J-LEV | Jewish Federation of San Antonio 

Shabbat Shalom
Perry Aguilar 
J-LEV