Rooted in the Past, Rising for the Future

After recently returning to San Antonio in 2022, I found myself searching for meaningful ways to reconnect—with my community, with my Jewish identity, and with the kind of future I hope to build for my family. I didn’t grow up deeply embedded in every aspect of organized Jewish life here, but I’ve always carried pride in my heritage. Now, as a young professional, soon-to-be wife, and future parent, I’m excited to plant roots in this city and help shape a strong, inclusive Jewish future.

…

When I joined the J-LEV program, I was eager to meet others navigating similar questions about identity, leadership, and service. I expected to learn—but I didn’t expect to feel so immediately embraced. Over the course of several months, we gathered on the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community to learn from rabbis, educators, and community leaders. These sessions were more than just lectures—they were moments of reflection and connection that helped me begin to see how I could lead with both confidence and purpose.

That journey culminated in our recent J-LEV advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., organized by the Jewish Federation and graciously underwritten by Alamo Brandeis B’nai B’rith Lodge. It was an experience I will never forget. In just a few days, we met with policymakers and lobbyists, heard from Federation leaders, engaged in meaningful dialogue with fellow participants, and visited the Holocaust Museum together. The trip brought to life everything we’d been working toward—transforming thought into action, questions into conversations, and connection into advocacy.

Walking through the Holocaust Museum with the group was especially powerful. It was a moment of deep grounding—reminding me of the importance of remembrance, the strength of our people, and the responsibility we hold as Jewish leaders today. That experience, along with our conversations on Capitol Hill, helped me reconnect with what I love most about Judaism: our values of compassion, justice, education, giving, and resilience.

This trip also allowed me to reclaim something I didn’t realize I’d been missing: a voice in Jewish life. As Zane and I think about raising a family here in San Antonio, it’s important to both of us to create spaces where our children can grow up connected to their traditions—spaces that reflect who they are and allow them to thrive in their Jewish identity. Growing up in our sports communities, we often found ourselves surrounded by Christian traditions. Those interfaith experiences were meaningful, but they also highlighted how important it is to be intentional about building Jewish spaces for the next generation.

Thanks to J-LEV and the incredible mentors and community leaders who have supported me along the way, I now feel empowered to take the next step. I’ve recently been invited to join a board, am contributing to campus expansion efforts, and am staying involved through initiatives like Jewish Senior Services. These aren’t just new responsibilities—they are opportunities to invest in something greater than myself. They are seeds for the kind of Jewish life I hope our children and their peers will grow up with—vibrant, welcoming, and strong.

J-LEV gave me more than a leadership experience. It gave me belonging. It gave me clarity. And it gave me a community I didn’t even know I needed. I’m deeply grateful to the Jewish Federation for creating this program, for investing in young adults like me, and for showing that no matter where we come from or how recently we returned—we all have something to offer, and we all have a place.

Shabbat Shalom
Micah Leonard
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