New Leadership Energizes Jewish Life at the University of South Florida: Rabbi Yehuda and Devo Tanenbaum Join Chabad Team

New Leadership Energizes Jewish Life at University of South Florida

Tampa, FL – The University of South Florida (USF) is set to experience a revitalization of Jewish life with the arrival of Rabbi Yehuda and Devo Tanenbaum (née Bankhalter) to the Chabad at USF community. Appointed by Rabbi Pinny and Chava Backman, who have led the Chabad center for the past 16 years, the Tanenbaums are eager to enhance engagement and foster a sense of belonging among the university’s Jewish students.

With a student body exceeding 50,000, including over 1,000 Jewish students, the Tanenbaums aim to create a warm and vibrant Jewish presence on campus. “At a time when being visibly Jewish can feel increasingly difficult, we want every Jewish student to feel a deep sense of belonging and pride in their identity,” the couple stated. Their mission is to provide support, programs, and relationships that empower students to embrace their Jewish heritage with confidence.

Rabbi Yehuda Tanenbaum brings a wealth of experience from his work with Jewish communities worldwide. Raised in Houston, Texas, he has collaborated with various Jewish organizations and served in rabbinic roles in places like Manhattan, Puerto Rico, and South Africa. His commitment to education is evident through his work with the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), where he has developed educational resources for Jewish students.

Devo Tanenbaum, who grew up in downtown Manhattan, has a personal connection to Chabad on Campus. As the daughter of a Chabad rabbi, she understands the importance of fostering Jewish identity among students. Devo has previously mentored students at the Machon Alte seminary in Tzfat, Israel, and at Bnos Chomesh Girls High School in Crown Heights, where she guided young women in their personal growth.

The Tanenbaums are excited to immerse themselves in campus life, offering engaging classes, Shabbat meals, social events, and holiday celebrations. They plan to collaborate with university leadership and faculty to ensure that Jewish students’ needs are recognized and supported, aiming to make Jewish life at USF a source of pride and strength.

This transition marks a significant milestone for Jewish life at USF, especially as students across the nation face challenges to their Jewish identity. The Tanenbaums are committed to ensuring that every Jewish student feels supported, welcomed, and connected to their heritage.

As the USF community embraces this new chapter, the Tanenbaums invite everyone to join them in shaping a vibrant Jewish future on campus. To support their mission, visit here.

For more information on the Tanenbaums and their initiatives, check out the full story here.