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The Schaffler Family (L-R): Lee, Mara, Amy and Sadie.
When Amy Schaffler and her family relocated from New York to Tampa in December 2020, finding a sense of community quickly became a priority. Five and a half years later, Tampa’s Jewish community has become home — and giving back has become a central part of her family’s life.
Amy’s family’s connection to Tampa’s Jewish community began almost immediately after arriving. “The Rodeph community (at Congregation Rodeph Sholom) made a huge effort to make us feel at home and connected to the Jewish community,” she said. “I love being involved with Rodeph because it’s such a safe and warm space for me and my family to come together and feel connected.”
That welcoming spirit inspired Amy to become even more involved. This past year, she joined the executive board at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, where she serves as membership chair. Passionate about helping others find the same sense of belonging her family experienced, she enjoys welcoming newcomers into the congregation. “We have a vibrant religious school that continues to grow, and we’re always looking for new families to join our community,” she said.
The importance of community and family has deep roots. Amy’s twin brother, Matt, and his wife run an all-boys summer camp in New Hampshire, while her two sisters and their families live in New York. Together, the four siblings have nine children, all close in age, making family reunions filled with laughter, fun and unforgettable memories.
One of the greatest gifts their parents gave them, she said, was the opportunity to attend sleepaway camp together. “No matter how hectic life became during the rest of the year, camp gave us uninterrupted time to reconnect and create lasting memories together. Those summers remain some of my most cherished childhood memories. Spending summer after summer with my siblings strengthened the bond we share, and it’s a big reason why we’re still incredibly close today.”
That same appreciation for connection extends beyond her involvement with her synagogue. Her family is also deeply involved with the Israel Tennis & Education Centers (ITEC), an Israeli nonprofit that provides tennis, educational support and mentorship for children and teens throughout Israel (supported in part by the Tampa JCCs & Federation). During ITEC’s most recent visit to Tampa, they hosted an Israeli teen participating in the program — a memorable experience that brought together their shared love of tennis and strengthened their family’s connection to Israel. “My girls loved getting to know her, and we even got to play tennis together!”
Community service has become a family affair. Whether hosting Shabbat dinners, volunteering through Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Congregation Schaarai Zedek, Chabad of South Tampa or participating in community-wide service projects, Schaffler and her husband have intentionally made participation in Jewish life part of everyday life for the entire family. “My girls are very supportive of my volunteer efforts and they are often with me at Rodeph or at another community event to help support our family’s efforts,” she said. “They understand that sometimes, my volunteer work takes me away from them and know it’s to help support our Jewish community.”
That commitment was especially evident after October 7, 2023. Inspired to help, her older daughter, Sadie, hand-drew 100 Israeli flags to sell at the Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, raising funds for the Tampa JCCs & Federation. “We were incredibly proud of her,” she said. “It reminded us that even small acts can make a meaningful difference.”
Looking back, she credits her experience in the Hope Cohen Barnett Leadership Institute program in 2023-2024 with reinforcing an important lesson: communities are strongest when people come together with open minds and respect for different perspectives.
A native New Yorker who grew up in New Jersey, Schaffler graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in communications. Today, she works remotely for NBCUniversal on the Ad Innovations team supporting Peacock’s streaming platform. She also serves as a summer camp advisor, helping families find overnight camps that are the right fit for their children. She recently returned from a whirlwind trip to the Pocono Mountains, where she visited 22 camps in just a few days.
Outside of work, you’ll often find her spending time with her husband, Lee, and their two daughters, Mara, 6, and Sadie, 9, staying active through tennis, running, yoga or exploring everything Florida has to offer. She’s also a devoted Tampa Bay Lightning fan and enjoys Broadway productions at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts. She’s always on the hunt for a great meal — Willa’s and Bistro BT are among her local favorites.
Although she’s had to pivot professionally throughout her career, she’s grateful for the mentors who helped guide her along the way. Her advice to other professionals is simple: ask for help when you need it, lean on your support system and don’t burn bridges along the way. “You never know when someone from your past can pop back into your life. It’s always good to leave a positive impression and reputation.”
Her message to anyone new to Tampa is heartfelt: “No matter how big Tampa may seem, the Jewish community is extremely close-knit. The door is always open and it’s a very friendly and inviting community.”
This feature profiles the inspiring young adults of the Tampa Jewish community who are making a meaningful impact through volunteerism and leadership. These emerging changemakers embody the values of tikkun olam — repairing the world — by giving their time, energy and passion to causes that strengthen both the Jewish community and the broader world around them.
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