First J-LEV Cohort Graduates This May
April 1, 2022
This past fall, five young adults embarked on a leadership journey through the Jewish Federation of San Antonio’s (JFSA) J-LEV program. J-LEV, which stands for Jewish Leadership, Engagement, and Values, is an innovative 8-month long course designed to prepare participants for future lay leadership roles. The curriculum, curated by Federation President & CEO, Nammie Ichilov, consists of monthly presentations from prominent CEOs and lay leaders at local Jewish agencies. Presenters share valuable insight into their agencies and important lessons they have learned as leaders.
So far, participants have heard from JFSA Board President, Michael Swanson; Barshop Jewish Community Center (JCC) CEO, Saul Levenshus; Torah Academy of San Antonio (TASA) Board President, Yair Grier; and San Antonio Jewish Senior Services (SAJSS) CEO, Stacey Klein-Schwartz. Still to present include Jewish Family Service (JFS) Board President, Carrie Douglas; Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio (HFLA-SA) Board President, Michael Robbins and Executive Director, Howard Feinberg; Ohr Lanu Foundation Executive Director, Margaret Gofman Klein; and synagogue president panelists Dr. Amy Benedikt from Temple Beth- El, Rabbi Chaim Block from Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning, Arturo Fux from Congregation Rodfei Sholom, and Craig Berkowitch from Congregation Agudas Achim.
The Jewish Federation of San Antonio thanks these presenters for their time and the valuable knowledge they shared with the cohort. From insight on personal successes to their agency’s expansion plans, operations, and engagement opportunities, the various presenters painted a bright future for participants and their involvement. As the first J-LEV cohort prepares to graduate this spring, the San Antonio Jewish community can rest assured the vitality of the community is secured and that the next generation of Jewish leaders are well equipped to lead.
For more information, or to nominate a future potential J-LEV participant, contact JFSA Development Associate, Anna Schragin at [email protected].