From Reflection to Responsibility: My Journey with J-Lev in D.C.

There’s something surreal about standing in front of the U.S. Capitol for the first time—especially when you’re there not just as a tourist, but as a representative of your community. I had never been to Washington, D.C. before. I expected to be inspired by the history, maybe even a little overwhelmed by the size and symbolism of it all. What I didn’t expect was to walk away feeling more connected to my Jewish identity, my responsibility as a leader, and my mission as a human being.

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That transformation began at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. While I was there, surrounded by the echoes of history and resilience, I took a moment to wrap tefillin—something I’ve committed to doing since October 7th. In the months since, this daily act has given me a sense of grounding and hope in a world that so often feels unsteady. I thought about my grandparents—Holocaust survivors who carried unimaginable pain and unimaginable strength. I thought about what they endured so I could have the life I live today. And as I wrapped the straps around my arm, I chose to focus not just on the past, but on the light and the future ahead.

In that moment, I wasn’t just praying. I was anchoring. I was declaring: “I’m here. I remember. I will never forget. And I choose to focus on creating a better future.” That moment wasn’t just spiritual, it was a declaration of purpose. In a space dedicated to remembrance, I embodied presence. And I reflected on something profound: that we live with a kind of freedom our ancestors could only dream of—the freedom to pray, to speak up, and to lead.

This is what the J-LEV (Jewish: Leadership, Engagement & Values) program of the Jewish Federation is all about—transforming passion into purpose. Our time in D.C. wasn’t just about visiting monuments. It was about advocacy. I had never been in a situation like this—walking into a room with a staffer of a congressman or senator and trying to explain what our community truly needs. That’s not something you rehearse. That’s something you feel in your bones and learn to express from the heart.

Instead of trying to “win” a political argument, I focused on making it personal. I shared what it was like growing up in Israel, where terrorism was a constant part of life—learning to put on a gas mask in elementary school, practicing rocket drills like they were fire drills. Now, raising two kids with my wife here in San Antonio, we’re proud Jews, proud Israelis. What we want is simple: to live safely, to raise our children with pride in their identity, and to walk through the world without fear.

That’s why it’s so important our elected officials don’t just hear us, they feel where we’re coming from and do their best to understand our reality. I learned that advocacy isn’t about having the perfect facts about helping someone feel the importance of your story. You just need to care enough, show up, and speak up.

In those moments—walking through the Capitol, meeting staff of congressmen and senators, and really feeling the pulse of how the country works—it was eye-opening. And in those same moments, connecting with people in my group, learning more about them, and realizing how deeply we all share a pride in being Jewish… it reminded me that we all want the same thing: to do better and to create a better world for ourselves and for the generations that will follow us.

I’m deeply grateful to the Jewish Federation and everyone behind the J-LEV program for creating this space for us to grow. The experience didn’t just shape how I see the world—it reminded me of who I am, and who I want to be. Because at the end of the day, leadership starts with the choices we make in moments no one else sees—like putting on tefillin in a quiet hallway of remembrance—and carries through to the halls of power, the conversations with our kids, and the ways we show up for our people.

This journey was just the beginning—and I’m ready to keep showing up.

Shabbat Shalom
Ophir Ram 
J-LEV Participant

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