{"id":275195,"date":"2026-05-18T14:43:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:43:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/275195\/"},"modified":"2026-05-18T14:43:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:43:23","slug":"tampa-community-marks-yom-hashoah-and-celebrates-youth-advocacy-jewish-press","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/275195\/","title":{"rendered":"Tampa Community Marks Yom HaShoah and Celebrates Youth Advocacy – Jewish Press"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2026 Shine A Light Arts for Impact Honorees<\/p>\n

More than 350 members of the Tampa Bay Jewish community gathered in a powerful display of unity, remembrance and hope at this year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s 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\u2019s enduring support and commitment to Holocaust education and anti-hate advocacy.<\/p>\n

\"First<\/a><\/p>\n

First place winner in the film competition Ayushmann S.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cAni Ma\u2019amin\u201d and the recitation of \u201cEl Malei Rachamim\u201d and the \u201cMourner\u2019s Kaddish,\u201d the community honored the memory of those lost while reaffirming a collective responsibility to remember.<\/p>\n

The evening\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 underscoring the urgency of education and advocacy.<\/p>\n

\"Senior<\/a><\/p>\n

Senior Division \u2013 Mila G., first place for \u201cSynogaga.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

In the student playwrights contest, Delilah B. earned first place in the junior division for \u201cShining a Light on Holocaust Education.\u201d In the senior division, Elora L. took first place with \u201cI Don\u2019t Have a Secret Space Laser,\u201d which was brought to life in a moving staged reading by ThinkTank Theatre\u2019s Young Actors Ensemble.<\/p>\n

The newly introduced short film competition, supported by the Abelson Family, showcased compelling visual storytelling. First place was awarded to Ayushmann S. for \u201cWhat We Carry,\u201d an animated film that resonated deeply with the audience.<\/p>\n

\"First<\/a><\/p>\n

First place playwrights contest winner Elora L. (center) with the cast and artistic director from ThinkTank Theatre.<\/p>\n

The visual arts contest highlighted creativity across multiple age groups. In the primary division (grades 3-5), Neal J. earned first place for \u201cHands That Remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the junior division (grades 6-8), Lorelai B. received first place for \u201cNever Forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the senior division (grades 9-12), Mila G. was awarded first place for \u201cSynogaga.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the collegiate level, Leah M. earned first place for \u201cBut This Time by Choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s reach and impact throughout the community.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Local<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Community member Yael Hatfield reflected on the evening, sharing, \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the community gathered for a dessert reception following the program, the message of the evening remained clear: remembrance is not passive \u2014 it is a call to action. Through education, creativity and collective responsibility, Tampa\u2019s next generation is helping ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust endure \u2014 and that the light of compassion continues to shine forward. <\/p>\n

\"Brendon<\/a><\/p>\n

Brendon Rennert, grandson of Holocaust hero Tuvia Bielski<\/p>\n

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