The Jewish Federation of San Antonio’s Leadership Development Program, J-LEV (Jewish-Leadership, Engagement, Values) is a cohort-based leadership development program designed for next generation professionals who want to take their participation in Jewish community leadership to the next level through a series of interactive and engaging sessions around Jewish values and wisdom. Participants will advance their leadership skills, learn about San Antonio Jewish partnering agencies, lay leadership opportunities, build relationships with their peers, and put that knowledge into action. The Jewish Federation of San Antonio will help connect you to start or enhance your lay leadership journey after graduation.
The Federation believes in investing in the Jewish future. That’s why we’re committed to fostering the next generation of Jewish leaders who will help support the rich history in Jewish life and ensure our community continues to thrive.
The application process is a chance to tell your story – who you are and why you’d like to be a part of this program. We take pride in the fact that J-LEV reflects the diversity of our community, and includes people from varying professional backgrounds, political orientations, aspirations for Jewish leadership, and affiliations in the community.
Applications are now open! All Jewish aspiring young leaders (ages 25 - 39, exceptions will be considered) may apply. Please contact Jill Jacobs with any questions: JacobsJ@jfsatx.org, or 210.302.6968.
1. What is J-LEV?
J-LEV is a cohort-based leadership development program designed for professionals who want to take their participation in Jewish community leadership to the next level through a series of interactive and engaging sessions around Jewish values and wisdom. Participants will advance their leadership skills, learn about San Antonio Jewish partnering agencies, lay leadership opportunities, build relationships with their peers, and put that knowledge into action.
2. What does J-LEV stand for?
J-LEV is an acronym for Jewish-Leadership, Jewish-Engagement and Jewish-Values. LEV in Hebrew means heart, and participants in J-LEV are committed to the success of Jewish San Antonio. J-LEV’s role is to act as a voice and “heart” to ensure a vibrant future through leadership, Jewish values, and knowledge about our city’s Jewish agencies.
3. Besides my time, what other commitments do I need to make in order to participate in J-LEV?
Financial investment of a meaningful gift to the 2026 Jewish Federation of San Antonio Annual Campaign. The travel and hotel will be underwritten for the overnight trip to Washington DC.
All J-LEV members are encouraged to participate in relevant activities and programs at JFSA.
Participation is critical to the course’s overall success; J-LEV requires attendance to at least 7 of the 8 classes, plus the DC trip.
4. Am I right for J-LEV?
If you:
- Care about the future of Jewish San Antonio
- Have time after program graduation to potentially step into a lay leadership role at a Jewish agency or committee of choice
- Can make a financial investment to our community through the JFSA Annual Campaign
- Want to gain knowledge about our city and the amazing Jewish agencies that support our community
- Learn about Jewish values and wisdom that can be applied to everyday socially and professionally
- Make friendships that will last a lifetime
J-LEV is for you!
Cohort 4 (2025-2026)
Our fourth J-LEV Cohort, is the largest cohort to date. Thanks to the support of Alamo Brandeis B'nai B'rith Lodge, Cohort Four was the second to head to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the San Antonio Jewish Community. Congratulations to the fourth J-LEV Cohort: Ben Balderman, M.D., Elizabeth Schram Balderman, Jeff Bauer, Bee Sparkman Dawson, Katia Diamante, AJ Edelman, Sam Fisher, Leah Fuller, Sophia Gilmour, Moshe Krumholz, Ari Richtberg, Ruthie Rubin, and Avigayil Tobias.
Cohort Four headed to Washington, D.C. in mid-March 2026 to advocate for our San Antonio community!
In Washington, D.C., the cohort met with several elected officials' staff members and engaged in meaningful conversations surrounding community security.
They also got a chance to see the sights on the way to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum!
Cohort Four had a chance to briefly meet with Senator Ted Cruz on their trip, and deliver informational materials on security needs in San Antonio.
Cohort 3 (2024 - 2025)
Our third J-LEV Cohort, thanks to the support of Alamo Brandeis B'nai B'rith Lodge, was the first to head to Washington, D.C. to explore the world of advocacy. In the nation's capital, they put their newfound skills to work advocating for the Jewish community in San Antonio and nationwide. Congratulations to the third J-LEV Cohort: Perry Aguilar, Eleanor Gossen, Rachel Gurinsky, Zane Gurwitz, Ross Halfant, Lauren Laderman Bar Yadin, Micah Leonard, Ophir Ram, Jeffrey Rollman, Jeremy Saklad, and Zoe Stanley.
Ophir Ram, Zane Gurwitz and Perry Aguilar at the Jewish Federations of North America.
The third cohort under a sign that reads "If it's Jewish we have it!" in Washington, D.C.
The third cohort outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
Our third cohort, on the move, visiting lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Cohort 2 (Fall 2022 - Spring 2023)
After the success of cohort 1, the second cohort began in October 2022 and had almost double the number of participants! Cohort 2 partcipants include Noah Barshop, Dr. Jasmine Bonder, Hannah Cramer, Melissa McLeaird, Emily Petrescu, Sam Planto, Sarah Ram, Molly Rosenblatt, and Alan Yancelson. Graduates have become involved across the community - Melissa is the co-chair for PJ Library, Sam started a Jewish Affinity Networking group at his work and has volunteered with Jewish Family Service, Noah serves on the JFSA Board, Jasmine is involved with Israel and overseas programs as well as all things healthcare, to name a few.
Jasmine Bonder, Molly Rosenblatt, Noah Barshop, Sam Planto, Alan Yancelson, Hannah Cramer, Emily Petrscu, Melissa McLeaird, and Sarah Ram
Alan Yancelson and Sarah Ram at one of the sessions
Noah Barshop, Melissa McLeaird, and Emily Petrescu
Nammie Ichilov and Anna Schragin (second from right), presented certificates to the graduates at the 2023 JFSA Annual Meeting
Inaugural Cohort (Fall 2021 - Spring 2022)
The first cohort kicked off in the fall with participants Ben Alterman, Hollie Lyko, Kelly Petlin Beaty, Zachary Roth, and Shannon Seglin. Following completion of the program, Kelly Petlin Beaty began serving on the JFSA Board and Shannon Seglin is now co-chair of Temple Beth-El's Sisterhood
Nammie Ichilov, Kelly Petlin Beaty, Ben Alterman (via Zoom), Hollie Lyko, Shannon Seglin, and Zach Roth
Kelly Petlin Beaty, Shannon Seglin, Hollie Lyko, and Zach Roth learning about PJ Library
Ben Alterman, Zach Roth, Hollie Lyko, Kelly Petlin Beaty, Shannon Seglin, and Nammie Ichilov, pictured with LIFE&LEGACY Year 3 Celebration featured speaker, Rabbi Daniel Cohen (center)
Graduation dinner hosted by the Ichilovs (left to right): Lisa and Nammie Ichilov, Jeremy Rosen and Anna Schragin, Shannon Seglin, Kelly Petlin and Evan Beaty, Ben Alterman, Hollie Lyko and Zach Roth