Inspiring Jewish Journeys: Shalom Austin’s IGNITE Returns in Person for the First Time in Two Years
By Shana Creeger
Back in person for the first time in two years, the community joined for an evening of celebration and togetherness at Shalom Austin’s IGNITE! Held at the JW Marriott in Downtown Austin on Sunday, April 3, 2022, more than 600 attendees ate, drank, mingled and celebrated how Shalom Austin inspires Jewish journeys in meaningful and transformative ways.
IGNITE!, a fundraiser that supports Shalom Austin’s Annual Campaign, is aimed at recognizing community leaders, highlighting the ways Shalom Austin provides for the community and rallying continued support to help build a thriving, vibrant Jewish community.
Community leaders Dan Kraus and Phil Loewy, were honored for their exemplary involvement in making Shalom Austin an impactful and welcoming organization.
IGNITE Co-Chairs Sherrie & Bob Frachtman and Julie & Ari Franklin helped to create a night to remember. Chef-prepared food, including kosher options, and an assortment of wine were plentiful. Shalom Austin’s Young Adult Division (YAD) enjoyed a private lounge and guests enjoyed live musical performances before and after the speaking program. Special guest, Jewish lead singer of Asleep at the Wheel, Ray Benson, entertained the crowd as the pledge cards rolled in.
A video montage of various members of the community illustrated all the ways Shalom Austin helps the Jewish community live their best Jewish life in Austin, Israel and around the world.
As the Annual Campaign Co-Chair Adam Loewy said, through all the ups and downs, “the one constant is that Shalom Austin is always there for this community,” and it is made possible thanks to the generous donations and commitment from partners, corporate sponsors and the community.
1. Ray Benson performing live at IGNITE. Credit: Jerry Hayes
2. Vicki Osherow, Billy Osherow, Ricky Rudy, Debbie Rudy, Matt Schocket, Kim Schocket. Credit: David Finkel
3. Susan Hilton, Larry Hilton, Val Newberg, Jeff Newberg, Brian Gaister, Jewel Sud Gaister. Credit: David Finkel
4. Kir, Dan, Rochelle and Noah Kraus. Credit: Jerry Hayes
5. Sydelle Popinsky, Carly Cera, Sarah Jew, Chuck Mandelbaum. Credit: Jerry Hayes
6. Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, Ari Franklin, Julie Franklin, Bob Frachtman, Ray Benson, Sherrie Frachtman. Credit: Jerry Hayes
7. Eric Abrahams, Sarah Abrahams, Myra Abrahams, Bob Abrahams. Credit: David Finkel
8. Alex Robinson, Rachel Robinson, Corrie MacLaggan, Oliver Bernstein, Credit David Finkel
9. Mussy Levertov, Rabbi Mendy Levertov, Bob Frachtman, Rabbi Levi Levertov, Menucha Levertov, Rikki Hertz. Credit: David Finkel
10. Saar Schwartz, Eran Ashkenazi, Nathan Litinski, Dali Litinski, Ofir Hagay Nevel, Shelly Schwartz
11. Elissa Jean-Pierre, Ben Schapira, Matthew Miller, Ian Spechler, Alachua Haskins. Credit David Finkel
12. Phil and Adam Loewy. Credit: Jerry Hayes
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