Young Adult Leader Spotlight: Shane Tepper

January 10, 2023

Earlier this month, the Jewish Journal sat down with Young Adult Division (YAD) Committee member Shane Tepper as part of a new series spotlighting young adult leadership in the community.

Jewish Journal: Hi Shane, so tell us a little bit about where you’re from and when you moved to San Antonio.

Shane: I’m from Long Island, New York, and I made the move out here in June 2021.

JJ: Great! And what do you do for work?

Shanel: I’m a content marketing manager specializing in search engine optimization (SEO).

JJ: What’s your connection to the Jewish community? 

Shane: Over the years, I have participated in Jewish organizations, including BBYO, NFTY, and YAD. I also share a deep appreciation for a good Matzah Ball Soup.

JJ: That’s great! So why did you get involved with the Young Adult Division?

Shane: As a recent transplant, I wanted to make new friends and get involved with the Jewish community. YAD was the perfect opportunity to do just that. I feel blessed to have made so many incredible friends in San Antonio, and I look forward to my continued involvement with YAD.

JJ: Why is being active in the Jewish community important to you? 

Shane: Being active in the Jewish community is incredibly important to me for many reasons. For one, it’s like having a home away from home. No matter where I’ve lived, the Jewish community has always been warm and welcoming – giving me a real sense of belonging. It’s comforting to know that I can always surround myself with friends who share similar values, especially during special occasions and holidays. It also helps me to learn more about my roots and myself – providing an opportunity to connect with my heritage on a deeper level and understand more about what it means to practice Judaism. Most importantly, I am grateful to be part of organizations that will help preserve Judaism and provide a better future for the next generations.

JJ: What do you hope to bring to Jewish young adults in SA?

Shane: I want to create opportunities that foster an appreciation for their heritage and help them discover meaningful personal and professional relationships with others in the community. I want to bring a sense of pride and connection – helping them feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. Most importantly, I want them to feel the same sense of belonging that I felt after being welcomed into the Jewish community in San Antonio.

Are you a leader in the young adult Jewish community, or know someone who you think we should spotlight in the Journal? Email JFSA Marketing & Communications Manager Pamela Partridge at partridgep@jfsatx.org.