Shalom Austin

05/29/2026

When disaster struck Central Texas, this Jewish community responded with compassion, generosity, and action. From coast to coast, we rallied to raise funds, collect supplies, and support our neighbors. Because when one community suffers, we all feel it. That's who we are. That's what we do.

Your support keeps this vital work going. Give to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign today: https://bit.ly/ShalomAustinBFT

05/29/2026

The 13th Annual Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt took place at the Dell JCC on May 17. The event was an unforgettable night of lively entertainment which brought together the dynamic Austin cultures including the Hindu, Jewish, and African American communities to support underprivileged students.

Hosted by Hindu Charities 4 America (HC4A) and Shalom Austin, the event raised funds for school supplies for 2,000 school students in Greater Austin who are experiencing financial insecurity so they can start their school year with confidence.

Supplies purchased with the funds raised will be packed by the community at the Dell JCC on August 2.

05/28/2026

📣 Calling all Austin Lions! Mark your calendars now!

Join us HERE in Austin, TX February 28 – March 2, 2027, for the International Lion of Judah Conference. Thousands of philanthropic Jewish women will come together to connect with other Lions who lead with purpose and care deeply about the future of our Jewish communities.

Over three inspiring days, we will:
✨ Build lasting connections
🎤 Hear from voices that energize, inspire, and uplift
💡 Gain tools to grow our leadership
❤️ Deepen our collective impact

Your individual passion becomes part of something bigger, where our shared commitment moves us all forward.

Registration opens June 15 and will sell out quickly.

For more info, visit lionconference.org

05/27/2026

A brand-new innovative program at Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service designed to teach children essential social skills, concluded with a standing ovation at the JCC Austin.
The Social Players! was designed for children who spent some of their formative years in COVID lockdowns and didn’t have as much opportunity for interactive and group play. Through theatre, improv, arts, and cooperative play, the children and their parents spent the past nine weeks preparing for their showcase performance.
You can read more about the program in this Jewish Outlook article: https://shalomaustin.org/2026/03/02/social-players/

05/24/2026

We honor those we've lost fighting for our freedom and will never forget their sacrifice.

The Shalom Austin offices are closed May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. For our hours, visit shalomaustin.org/hours

05/21/2026

Happy Shavuot from Shalom Austin! Celebrating the giving of the Torah and the first harvest of the season. Chag Sameach!

Please note, the Shalom Austin offices will be closed tomorrow, May 22, in observance. For our hours, head to shalomaustin.org/hours.

05/21/2026

At the end of the day, we are one people - bound by a shared responsibility to care for one another, here at home and in Israel. Through every challenge and every moment of joy, we show up. And through your support, this community continues to thrive.

05/19/2026

Mazel Tov to Shalom Austin Board Chair Phil Loewy for being elected to the JCC Association Board of Directors! Phil joins Jeff Newberg, Shalom Austin Board member, also on the JCCA Board. 🌟 We are incredibly proud to have Phil as our Board Chair, and we know she will bring that same passion and expertise to this new national role.

In addition to inducting Lisie Gottdenker as our board chair, we are proud to announce that 14 talented and dedicated individuals have been appointed to our leadership ranks as directors at large on JCC Association’s board. They are longtime, devoted leaders in their own JCCs and communities, and we look forward to the significant and meaningful contributions they will make—individually and collectively—to advance our mission across the U.S. and Canada.

Matt Baker, Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, Delray Beach, Florida
Jeff Bicher, Sylvan Adams Ym-Ywha, Montréal, Québec
Lauren Kaufman Blachman, Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, Houston, Texas
Stephanie Chauss, Minnesota JCC, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Marc Fisher, Mayerson JCC, Cincinnati, Ohio
Paul Geduldig, Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, California
Phil Loewy, JCC Austin, Texas

See the nearby post for the rest of the new directors!

Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/4df1vVC.

05/18/2026

Shalom Austin is Built for This: creating a thriving Jewish future, fostering a caring community, deepening our connection to Israel, and standing strong for Jewish safety and advocacy.

Your generous support strengthens the programs, relationships, and resources our community depends on. Your investment sustains a strong, vibrant Jewish community. Your gift inspires Jewish journeys for future generations.

Make your commitment today by visiting shalomaustin.org/donate.

05/18/2026

We are thrilled to share that the speakers and date for the Season 9 finale of the Burt Kunik JAMen Forum, presented by Loewy Law Firm, are officially confirmed!

Join us on Tuesday, June 16, for an unforgettable evening with Sean Miller, UT Basketball Head Coach, and Adam Cohen, UT Basketball Assistant Coach.

We can’t wait to close out the season with another incredible night together. Register at shalomaustin.org/jamen today!

05/15/2026