1 Left. Yohay Sponder, entertainer for IGNITE! 2026. Courtesy: Yohay Sponder

2 Top Right. Lawrence Maze, Joseph Krassner Campaign Leadership Award Recipient. Credit: Andrew Holmes

3 Bottom Right. Jennifer Failla, Hymie & Louise Samuelson Leadership Award Recipient. Credit: Andrew Holmes

By Allison Teegardin 

Shalom Austin is hosting its seventh IGNITE! event on March 1, 2026. This year’s event welcomes Yohay Sponder to the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

With over 20 years of experience, Sponder brings his unique outlook on life to the stage. Throughout his career he has starred in multiple TV and radio shows, he produces and headlines in ‘Funny Monday – Israeli Comedy in English’ and has performed all over the world. Having gained a massive following on social media, Sponder has gone on a world tour with his new show “Self Loving Jew.” In his show, Sponder talks about self love, identity and faith. Yohay’s humor, smart wit and unapologetic attitude are the perfect antidote for even the toughest of times. He truly believes he can cure the world’s troubles one laugh at a time … but this time the joke’s on him!

Also at IGNITE!, Shalom Austin will recognize community leaders Lawrence Maze and Jennifer Failla who have demonstrated true commitment to strengthening Shalom Austin and the Greater Austin Jewish community. Maze and Failla recently shared about their Jewish journeys.

Joseph Krassner Campaign Leadership Award Recipient: Lawrence Maze

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

A. We moved to Austin at the end of 1983, knowing very few people. We were living far out from the center of the city with our two-year-old son, and like many new young families, we were seeking connection and a sense of belonging. Not long after arriving, my cousin Lora Ann Gerson asked if I would chair the Youth Commission at Congregation Agudas Achim. I said, “Of course — but what exactly is that?” She explained that it was the volunteer committee overseeing USY and Kadima.

At 27 years old, with only the recent experience of having been a teenager myself, I had much to learn. Fortunately, Marilyn Stahl, z”l, graciously agreed to serve as my co-chair. Under her guidance, I learned from an extraordinary mentor and began what became a lifelong journey of service and involvement in the Austin Jewish community.

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

A. I’ve always felt a strong desire to give back and help people — both professionally and personally. In my career, that’s taken shape through my work at Austin Pain Therapy and, for the past 11 years, through my caregiver company, BubbieCare. In my volunteer life, it’s been about finding ways to serve the community that has given my family and me so much.

Ironically, I never set out to be a leader. As a young volunteer, I was often handed challenging tasks — probably because someone thought I could get them done! My path to leadership was anything but traditional. After serving on the Youth Commission, several of us restarted the B’nai B’rith Men’s Lodge, where I served as vice president and then president. Soon after, I was invited to join the Congregation Agudas Achim board — not as a regular member, but as an officer. I remained on the executive committee for the next 14 years, ultimately serving as president.

After completing that term, I joined what was then the JCAA, now Shalom Austin, and became involved with Jewish Family Service, where I served on the board for nearly 20 years, including four as president.

I never “campaigned” for leadership roles — I simply tried to show up, help where needed, and lead by example. More than anything, I wanted my children to see that our community matters, and that when you care about something deeply, you step up and lead when called.

Q. What is the number one reason you are involved with Shalom Austin?

A. When we moved to Austin, we didn’t know anyone. Back then, you made friends through Congregation Agudas Achim and/or Congregation Beth Israel, and since almost everyone here was from somewhere else, those friends quickly became your family. We were fortunate to build a close circle of friendships that have lasted for decades.

Arlene and I truly love this community. We were here before the first JCC on Jollyville Road — long before the Dell Jewish Community Campus existed — and in many ways, we’ve grown up alongside the Austin Jewish community and Shalom Austin itself.

The number one reason I stay involved is gratitude. This community has given me lifelong friendships, a sense of belonging, and countless opportunities to make a difference. I should really be the one thanking Shalom Austin for everything it has given me.

Jennifer Failla, Hymie & Louise Samuelson Leadership Award Recipient

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

A. When I moved to Austin from Miami, I called Shalom Austin and said, “I don’t know where I can help, but I want to help.” I strongly believe in the Federation model — it’s a system that connects us all and strengthens Jewish life. I’m especially passionate about endowment, because I’ve seen how it can transform a community’s future. I envision our endowment at Shalom Austin growing to the point where we start each year focused on new ideas and impact, not on the next dollar. Building that kind of lasting foundation is what drew me in: the chance to help build a community strong enough that future generations won’t have to ask if Jewish life in Austin will thrive, only how much more it can grow.

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

A. For me, the pivotal moment wasn’t one single event — it was realizing the power of connection and shared purpose within our Jewish community. Whether it’s working on a community initiative, standing up against antisemitism, or working to rebuild Israel, I’ve seen how we lift each other up and make a real impact. That understanding — that our individual efforts multiply when we come together — shapes everything I do. Every time I raise my hand to help, I find myself surrounded by people who are passionate, capable, and determined to make a difference.

Q. What is the number one reason you are involved with Shalom Austin?

A. Because this community gives me more than I could ever give it. Every time I’m asked to serve, I feel an enormous sense of honor and gratitude. Working with staff who give everything of themselves just adds to the joy to the work we accomplish together. Shalom Austin is a place where every person can contribute — whether it’s an hour a week or a long-term commitment — and know that their time matters. We are so fortunate to have a growing, vibrant Jewish population in Austin, and it’s our collective responsibility to make sure everyone feels they belong here.

IGNITE! 2026 is chaired by Rachel & Zack Jamail and Tracy & Rob Solomon, and in partnership with a dedicated Host Committee and diverse representation of Row Leaders, IGNITE! 2026 promises to be a fun and meaningful evening to celebrate the incredible Greater Austin Jewish community, share impact and spark the light of giving.

To learn more, visit shalomaustin.org/ignite