Frogby Sachs and Shayna Levy. Courtesy: Sandy Dochen   

By Sandy Dochen

Not one but two Austin teenagers who grew up at Temple Beth Shalom are serving as national board members this year for the National Federation of Temple Youth, or NFTY, associated with the Union of Reform Judaism. Shayna Levy, a freshman at Tufts University, is the Social Action Chair, while Frogby Sachs, a senior at the AISD Liberal Arts and Science Academy, is the Chair of Programming. They both have experienced Greene Family Camp for multiple summers and have been leaders in NFTY-TOR (Texas Oklahoma Region), as well as dynamic volunteers at Temple Beth Shalom.   

Last year, Levy was regional president and juggled being on the tennis team at Anderson High School. She has felt a long and deep connection to social justice. In her current leadership role, Levy will help guide NFTY social action programs and work with the Religious Action Center (RAC), the Reform Movement’s social justice entity. The RAC is focusing on the Every Voice Every Vote campaign, to encourage strong voter registration and turnout this fall.     

“I know that young teens aren’t eligible to vote,” Levy said.  “But, encouraging others to vote based on issues of interest will encourage teens to participate and prepare us for when it’s our time to vote,” she added. Levy has also worked on the Teen Justice Coalition, a six-week fellowship program where various issues were explored and organizing skills instilled.     

“Shayna was born for this NFTY position. Her diligence supporting our congregation’s and regional youth groups and her devotion to social justice make her the right leader in gilding our Reform Jewish teens,” remarked Rabbi Eleanor Steinman, senior rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom.   

Even since second grade, Sachs sang in the TBS kids’ choir and for years, has been a part of the teen group that preps the choir for High Holy Days. Their love of music and community collaboration thrust Sachs into NFTY where they met other teens interested in keeping Judaism an active part of their lives.  Like Levy, Sachs stood out as a regional leader and now will help regional NFTY leaders hone their programming skills. They will plan URJ and NFTY social justice events and “create a learning and connection space for all regional VPs to share ideas and initiative leadership programs,” Sachs stated.     

“Ever since my first regional event, I realized that NFTY helped me meet people who wanted to keep Judaism relevant,” they added.     

“Frogby Sachs is an example of the adage, ‘enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm,’” remarked Steinman. “Their love for Judaism and NFTY, their creativity, problem solving and curiosity will make them a successful Programming Vice President,” Steinman said.    

Along with their proud families, Levy and Sachs have been devoted participants at Temple Beth Shalom. Their love of a temple family community and their zest for making a difference at the local, regional and national youth group levels have parlayed them into these national responsibilities.   

NFTY participation has decreased in recent years as many teens have enjoyed the social elements of the B’nai Brith Youth Organization. “Frogby and Shayna have found meaningful Jewish experiences and leadership development opportunities through NFTY,” Rabbi Steinman said. “Their leadership helps to ensure a bright, strong future for the Austin and North American Jewish communities,” she added.    

  Levy and Sachs demonstrate that with motivation, a sense of excitement and development of skills, that young people can discover and develop their leadership skills, starting at their temple, and make a difference in the world. These two bright stars of Austin’s Jewish Community are creating that impact across the constellation of North American Jewry. Two Austin Teens Selected to Serve on National Federation of Temple Youth Board