YAD 2022-23 Board Members. Credit: Shelby Klein 

By Allison Teegardin 

Made possible by donations made to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign, the Young Adult Division (YAD) serves as a welcome group to recent transplants, a platform for leadership development, and a bridge to the wider Austin Jewish community. Every month, YAD offers numerous events around all areas of Austin. YAD Board member Adam Foosaner is one of the many young professionals who found community in the group. 

Foosaner moved to Austin in the summer of 2020 amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Having launched his tech startup Backflip in San Francisco, like many others before him, he eventually brought his company to the Austin tech hub. Newly settled and building a growing business, Foosaner says he had little time for anything other than work. Then, one day he conducted an online search for young Jewish professional groups in Austin and discovered YAD. “I was active in the Jewish fraternity AEPi in college but had lost touch with Jewish life since then. I realized one day that I was really missing that aspect of my life and wanted to get involved again.” In May 2022, he attended a YAD Newish and Jewish event. “I met a group of people there and that night we started a group chat so we could all stay in touch. We are still friends today.” A few months later, after attending every YAD event that summer, Foosaner joined the YAD Board. 

One factor that makes YAD so successful is the intentionality of its programming to appeal to Austin Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s whether they were born here or experiencing explosive growth and as a tech startup business owner, I am contributing to that growth,” Foosaner said. “YAD’s ability to reach the young professional demographic and welcome newcomers like me with open arms cannot be underestimated.” 

As a board member, Foosaner plays an integral role in ensuring YAD continues to meet the needs of those involved. Discussing the variety of events ranging from socials at local bars to Rabbi-led discussions about serious social issues, Foosaner said, “We have a wide range of events because we want to be inclusive of everyone who wants to be involved in Jewish life. We are ramping up our efforts to get community feedback about the events so our programming can embody what people want, not the other way around.” 

Shalom Austin Learning and Engagement Director, Alachua Haskins works intimately with the YAD board. When asked what people can expect to see from YAD in 2023, she said, “YAD offers social events, educational programming, holiday celebrations, philanthropic opportunities and more in a welcoming and open environment. Whether you’ve been here for ten minutes or ten years, our door is open and you’re invited. Right now, YAD is offering more experiences than ever before, hosting multiple events per months in all areas of Austin. Whether you’re into socializing at a bar or learning Torah, there’s something for everyone.” 

To learn more about upcoming YAD programs and social events such as Torah on Tap, Jewish and Newish, Party of 8, Intergenerational Shabbat dinners, and more, visit shalomaustin.org/yad