In May, we gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Dell Jewish Community Campus and Shalom Austin. What an extraordinary moment it was — to be gathered, side by side, as a community, to reflect on and celebrate all that we have built together.

Looking around the room, I saw visionaries, philanthropists, and devoted leaders. People whose passion, dedication, and belief in something bigger than themselves have helped create one of the most vibrant and inspiring centers of Jewish life in the world: the Dell Jewish Community Campus.

We recognized leadership going back to the late 1980s through the present Generations Campaign that was recently completed. This dream only became a reality because of the monumental support of so many who gave their time, their resources, and most importantly, their hearts.

To the original pioneers who believed in this vision before it existed, and to those who fueled its next phase during the Generations Campaign — your legacy is forever etched into the walls of the campus. We are immensely grateful to Michael and Susan Dell for their transformative generosity and vision.

In the last edition, we shared the history of Shalom Austin and its 25-year history. One piece I would like to mention is how Barry Silverberg, who served as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Austin in the 90s, first conceived of and proposed the idea of an integrated organization during his tenure. We have become a model for other organizations contemplating integration like we did 25 years ago.

In this edition, we discuss the history of our campus partners and the impact of being on the campus – Congregation Agudas Achim, Temple Beth Shalom, Congregation Tiferet Israel and Austin Jewish Academy.

Throughout North America and even the across the globe, Jewish communities look to Austin as a model for building 21st-century Jewish institutions that collaborate, innovate, and share resources to create best-in-class experiences for every generation. What we have here is special, and it didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of so many people in this community.

Thank you for believing in the power of community, for planting seeds, and for nurturing the future.

May we all continue to go from strength to strength.