Thank You for Keeping Us Strong | Shalom Austin

Thank You for Keeping Us Strong

CEO Message, The Jewish Outlook

Nov 23, 2021

Every day over the past month, I have been reflecting upon the antisemitic events occurring in Austin. They have been some of the most heinous we have ever experienced in this community. Shalom Austin will continue to respond and act because there is absolutely no place for hate in this special city, we all call home.

As our Security Director Andy Dooher, our partners at the ADL, city officials and local law enforcement work together in addressing and preventing more of these deeply harmful acts from taking place, I want to personally thank you for joining me in standing boldly as one.

What has given me hope recently is how the Jewish community and Faith Leaders, in and around Greater Austin, have come together to show their support in condemning and challenging the antisemitism occurring in our own backyard.

In difficult times, such as these, it is important to realize we can take action by supporting each other and doing Jewish things!  From attending a Jewish event, to hosting a Shabbat dinner, to lighting Hanukkah candles – I truly believe a powerful way to combat antisemitism is living a proud Jewish life.

Shalom Austin is dedicated to ensuring a life full of Jewish experiences – the experiences that shape our Jewish identity. We provide the opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, participate in, and lead Jewish lives.

You continue to make a vital difference in the lives of Jews in Austin and around the world with your support of our Annual Campaign.

Because of you… we can be a safe place to pray and play together.

Because of you… we can raise proud Jews to respond in the face of hate.

Because of you… we can build a flourishing Jewish community.

Thank you for making everything we do possible.

During good times and bad times, we remain unwavering because of our dedicated community members like you.

I hope you and your family feel comforted and protected knowing Shalom Austin and our network are here to care for you.

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus

Latest Posts

In Precious Hours Beyond the Headlines

In Precious Hours Beyond the Headlines

A war memorial in Ukraine. Credit: Rabbi Neil Blumofe By Rachel Cottle In early November 2023, closely following the heels of the October 7 attack, Neil Blumofe, senior Rabbi of Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin, Texas, traveled to Israel to lend what humanitarian...

Local Rabbi Accepted to Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship

Local Rabbi Accepted to Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship

Amplify Israel Rabbinic fellows meeting with Israeli Reform rabbis on Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmeq. Courtesy: Rabbi Kelly Levy In August 2023, Rabbi Kelly Levy of Congregation Beth Israel in Austin, Texas,  was accepted into the pilot cohort of the Amplify Israel Rabbinic...

Congregation Beth Israel to Honor Longtime Senior Rabbi Steven Folberg

Congregation Beth Israel to Honor Longtime Senior Rabbi Steven Folberg

Rabbi Folberg standing in the CBI garden. Credit: Kael Clark By Tonyia Cone Since Rabbi Steven Folberg was named Congregation Beth Israel’s senior rabbi in 1991, he has witnessed a lot of change. Austin’s Tech Boom had just begun and the city was experiencing...