Matisyahu performing his music. Courtesy: Wasserman Media

Shalom Austin is hosting its largest fundraising and community building event of the year, IGNITE!, on Sunday, April 7, 2024. IGNITE! will take place at the  Dell Jewish Community Center. At the event, Sandy Dochen and Frances Meltzer will be honored for demonstrating true commitment to strengthening Shalom Austin and the greater Jewish community. The evening will conclude with a special musical performance by the popular Jewish musician, Matisyahu.  

Co-chaired by Robin & Marty Davis and Lainie & Jonathan Polland, and in partnership with a diverse host committee, IGNITE! 2024 promises to be a special evening for community members to make connections, hear meaningful impact stories and give back.

Tickets are already selling fast with a huge increase in sales following the announcement of Matisyahu as the featured entertainer. With a limited capacity and the community’s strong desire to gather and build connections, the event is on track to sell out.  

The evening’s entertainment is a big draw. When Matisyahu first started touring to packed clubs more than eleven years ago, it was prior to the release of Live at Stubb’s, the now Gold record, and prior to that record’s single “King without a Crown” reaching number one on the alternative rock radio charts. His performances were a raw expression of his spirituality at that time and were supported by musicians who played a foundation of roots reggae.  

Through his lyrics, Matisyahu has developed a more personal, artistic and sophisticated way to express the yearning for deep spiritual meaning, and as his own beliefs opened up to find more variety and depth, the desire for his performances to match the unpredictable flow of life developed as well. 

Also attracting a lot of attention are this year’s honorees. Dochen and Meltzer were recently interviewed by The Jewish Outlook about their Jewish journeys.  

Sandy Dochen: Joseph Krassner Campaign Leadership Award Recipient

Q. How did you become involved with the Austin Jewish community? 

A. I was born here, as was my dad.  My family were active members in the Austin Jewish community. My parents were members of Congregation Beth Israel; my grandfather helped found Congregation Agudas Achim; my dad was president of B’nai Brith one year; my mom chaired the Sunday school committee at Congregation Beth Israel one year.  So, I modeled their behavior by being president of Austin Temple Teens and an AZA committee chair in high school. 

Q. What was the most pivotal moment in your Jewish journey? 

A. There have been so many moments! Meeting my wife of 45 years on the front steps of the Houston JCC was pivotal. When we came back to Austin, we got involved almost immediately with the Jewish Federation – with the Annual Campaign and we helped prepare the new Jewish Community Center on Jollyville Road.  Then, when I was board chair, I was very involved with the city permitting process for the present JCC. When I walk into the center, attend a program, see people I don’t know working out (and they don’t know me), it’s a sweet feeling to know how many people worked on creating the Dell JCC and how it serves our members, our neighborhood and the entire region. 

Q. What does being a Jewish leader mean to you? 

A. Jews are a resilient people and a fragile people. We need “all hands on the leadership deck,” and I love being able to help people, be around and encourage leaders – old and new, and perform acts of tzedakah wherever possible. Being around leaders inspires me and pushes me to try to provide leadership where it’s useful. 

Q. What is the No. 1 reason you are involved with Shalom Austin? 

A. Shalom Austin is the broadest umbrella for Jewish Austin—it’s where our community thrives and comes together. I’ve seen much of the evolution of what’s now Shalom Austin and it’s a great history. I’m excited to stay involved to welcome newcomers, encourage more volunteers and to help serve our community. Nothing feels better! 

Q. What would you say to someone who is thinking of getting involved with Shalom Austin? 

A. Jump in! You’ll meet someone you didn’t know. You’ll learn about our community. You’ll help contribute to our sense of community. And you’ll learn about leadership and yourself. Embracing a project or organization that’s bigger than yourself is exciting! 

Frances Meltzer: Hymie & Louise Samuelson Leadership Award Recipient

Q. How did you become involved with the Austin Jewish community? 

A. I started getting involved in the Austin Jewish community first with our synagogue and then Shalom Austin. At the time, our daughter Evelyn was under a year old. As a family we attended Tot Shabbat at Congregation Agudas Achim and I took her to some of the Shabbat and Play programs. It was important to establish our family’s Jewish identity early and from then on it was a matter of continuing to show up and making meaningful connections. 

Q. What was the most pivotal moment in your Jewish journey? 

A. The most pivotal moment in my Jewish journey was when I decided Judaism was the right fit for me religiously. It was as if some deep part in my soul awakened; I felt more grounded, centered and rooted as an individual. 

Q. What does being a Jewish leader mean to you? 

A. There’s a lot to unpack in that question. It assumes that I see myself as a leader. Truthfully, I see myself as someone who tries to make small changes and improve the lives of those I interact with through meaningful interactions. My hope is that when I show up authentically others can show up as their true selves. I am interested in what other people have to say and what they bring to the table. Being able to include other views, not just my own, helps me to make better informed decisions. I have always been a big believer in the ripple effect of small acts; if my small act encourages someone else’s action then together we have made a difference. 

Q. What is the No. 1 reason you are involved with Shalom Austin? 

A. Community is the number one reason I am involved with Shalom Austin at this stage of my life. Communities are only as strong as those willing to put in the time and show up. The community I have found with Shalom Austin continues to give me more than I could ever give in return.  

Q. What would you say to someone who is thinking of getting involved with Shalom Austin? 

A. If someone were thinking about getting involved with Shalom Austin I would say, “Join us.”  It’s a great community with many ways to be involved; there is everything from volunteering to leadership. Start by showing up, finding out what interests you, keep showing up and asking questions.