2026 Shine A Light Arts for Impact Honorees
More than 350 members of the Tampa Bay Jewish community gathered in a powerful display of unity, remembrance and hope at this year’s Yom HaShoah Commemoration, led by Rabbi Joel Simon in partnership with the Tampa Rabbinical Association. Held in conjunction with the fifth annual Shine A Light Arts for Impact Awards, the evening intertwined solemn reflection and inspirational celebration of youth voices confronting antisemitism through the arts.
Co-presidents of the Tampa JCCs and Federation, Jeffrey Berger and Rochelle Gross, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and inviting the audience to join in a moment of silence in memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. Their remarks underscored the dual purpose of the program: to honor the past while uplifting the next generation committed to shaping a more compassionate future.
This year’s program was also marked by a meaningful milestone, as the initiative was officially renamed the Richard M. Levine Shine A Light Arts for Impact Program, recognizing Levine’s enduring support and commitment to Holocaust education and anti-hate advocacy.
First place winner in the film competition Ayushmann S.
A deeply moving candle-lighting ceremony followed, led by Rabbi Simon alongside members of the Tampa Rabbinical Association. Through prayer, music and ritual that included the singing of “Ani Ma’amin” and the recitation of “El Malei Rachamim” and the “Mourner’s Kaddish,” the community honored the memory of those lost while reaffirming a collective responsibility to remember.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Brendon Rennert, grandson of Holocaust hero Tuvia Bielski, was introduced by Michael Igel of the Florida Holocaust Museum. Rennert shared the extraordinary story of the Bielski brothers, who saved more than 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust, emphasizing courage, moral leadership and the enduring responsibility to stand against hatred in all its forms.
Jonathan Ellis, chair of the Tampa Jewish Community Relations Council, followed with a sobering look at contemporary antisemitism, citing studies that reveal both a lack of Holocaust awareness and the persistence of antisemitic beliefs — underscoring the urgency of education and advocacy.
Senior Division – Mila G., first place for “Synogaga.”
That urgency was met with hope through the Shine A Light Arts for Impact Awards, which recognized nearly 200 student participants from across the Tampa Bay area. Through visual art, playwriting and short film, students explored themes of antisemitism, resilience and unity.
In the student playwrights contest, Delilah B. earned first place in the junior division for “Shining a Light on Holocaust Education.” In the senior division, Elora L. took first place with “I Don’t Have a Secret Space Laser,” which was brought to life in a moving staged reading by ThinkTank Theatre’s Young Actors Ensemble.
The newly introduced short film competition, supported by the Abelson Family, showcased compelling visual storytelling. First place was awarded to Ayushmann S. for “What We Carry,” an animated film that resonated deeply with the audience.
First place playwrights contest winner Elora L. (center) with the cast and artistic director from ThinkTank Theatre.
The visual arts contest highlighted creativity across multiple age groups. In the primary division (grades 3-5), Neal J. earned first place for “Hands That Remember.”
In the junior division (grades 6-8), Lorelai B. received first place for “Never Forgotten.”
In the senior division (grades 9-12), Mila G. was awarded first place for “Synogaga.”
At the collegiate level, Leah M. earned first place for “But This Time by Choice.”
An additional twenty honorable mentions were awarded across the divisions. All of the winners and artworks can be viewed at jewishtampa.com/shinealight. Winning works will also be exhibited throughout Tampa Bay in the coming months, extending the program’s reach and impact throughout the community.
In closing, organizers expressed gratitude to Hillsborough County Florida, Gary and Phyllis Gould, the Abelson Family, the Tampa Rabbinical Association and the many additional partners, educators and supporters whose generosity and collaboration made the evening and the ongoing success of the annual contest possible. They also recognized the student artists whose work continues to inspire meaningful dialogue and action.
Local clergy honor the memories of the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust. Left to right: Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever, Rabbi Rachel Blatt, Rabbi Michael Weiss, Rabbi Joel Simon, Rabbi Jason Rosenberg and Cantor Deborrah Buchman.
Community member Yael Hatfield reflected on the evening, sharing, “This entire evening was simply spectacular. From the guest speaker to the students, the candle lighting displays at each of the tables, and of course, the incredible artwork. It made the evening so meaningful.”
As the community gathered for a dessert reception following the program, the message of the evening remained clear: remembrance is not passive — it is a call to action. Through education, creativity and collective responsibility, Tampa’s next generation is helping ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust endure — and that the light of compassion continues to shine forward.
Brendon Rennert, grandson of Holocaust hero Tuvia Bielski
