Robyn Sperling. Credit: Andrew Holmes

Robyn Sperling has been a dedicated Jewish community leader in Austin for the past three decades, making a lasting impact. This year, her efforts are being recognized at Mosaic, Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy signature event, with the Marilyn Stahl Woman of Valor award. This honor highlights not only her commitment to Jewish values, kindness and tikkun olam but also the boarder impact of her work. In this conversation, Sperling shares how she became involved in the Austin Jewish community and what has inspired her own Jewish journey.  

Q: How did you get involved with the Austin Jewish community?   

A: I became involved in the Austin Jewish community from the moment I arrived in Austin. I was looking for a Jewish preschool and was fortunate enough to enroll our son into the ECP. Back then it was just a tiny school with trailers in the back, each with nurturing teachers sharing the love of learning through play.   

It didn’t take long before someone asked me to be on the ECP committee and I accepted. That same year I was asked to attend a parlor meeting with an amazing and diverse group of individuals to discuss the many ways to grow our community. Pretty quickly I could see an opportunity to get involved and make a difference.   

Everyone was so welcoming, and many in this group later became passionate leaders who I call mentors and friends. That was the beginning of 30 years of volunteerism and pure joy for me.   

We were a small community but growing rapidly. Many of us came from other cities, and we all became each other’s family. We all wanted to create a place where newcomers were welcomed, where we strengthened our Jewish bonds and our sense of belonging. And when I walk onto the campus today I literally tear up with great pride and joy thinking that maybe I had a little something to do with that.   

Q: What has been a pivotal moment for you in your Jewish journey?  

A: There have been many pivotal moments in my Jewish journey, but the earliest and most significant occurred at age 7. It began with a photo and a movie. The family photo included Polish relatives I never met. And the movie, a far too graphic film about the Holocaust. This introduction to the horrors of the Shoah left me with a constant ache in my heart, trying to understand “Why”? Why were the Jews tortured and murdered just because of their faith? Why did nobody speak out?   

Over the ensuing years I found myself returning to a deep desire not only to understand the root cause of this hatred but more importantly how to fight against such antisemitism and other forms of hate. Fortunately, throughout my adult life I have found ways to do so through numerous avenues including such important organizations such as ADL [Anti-Defamation League] and Shalom Austin. My visit to our homeland and experiencing Shabbat at the Kotel further gave me tremendous pride and a profound sense of belonging. For me, Judaism is not only a tradition but a living part of my identity.   

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

A: Being a Jewish leader has meant embracing the responsibility to guide, inspire and serve with a deep commitment to Jewish values. I hope that through my passion I have been able to foster in others a desire to engage, and in doing so strengthening their connection with the greater Austin Jewish community. I have been so fortunate to have been guided by so many inspiring Jewish leaders, and hope that I have in return served as a mentor by empowering others to follow their passions as we all work together with a shared goal of shaping our vibrant community for our children and grandchildren.   

Q: What is your number one reason you’re involved with Shalom Austin?   

A: Being involved in Shalom Austin has provided me with a sense of belonging and connection with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to Jewish values. It has helped me to fulfill the Jewish principles of tikkun olam and tzedakah, making a meaningful impact both locally and globally. Shalom Austin has given me the opportunity to work with others to create meaningful change and has allowed me to play a crucial role in supporting Jewish education and enhancing programs that benefit families, seniors, and those in need. In doing so, I feel that I have been able to help build a stronger Austin Jewish community.   

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved with Shalom Austin?   

A: If you are asked to get involved in Shalom Austin…JUST SAY YES! Whether you are new to the community or are merely ready to engage, the opportunities to pursue whatever you feel strongly about are endless. The connections you make will be strong and meaningful, the friendships will be sincere and lifelong, and the impact you will have on people and your community will be long-lasting. You will be rewarded in ways you cannot even imagine, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment to have contributed, and of gratitude for being given the opportunity.