New Shluchim to University of South Florida in Tampa

The University of South Florida is welcoming a new wave of energy and Jewish pride with the arrival of Rabbi Yehuda and Devo Tanenbaum (née Bankhalter).

The Tanenbaums will be joining the Chabad at USF team and were appointed by Rabbi Pinny and Chava Backman, who have directed Chabad at USF for the past 16 years.

Rabbi Pinny and Chava shared: “We are excited to double our staff and triple our engagement and impact at a time when Jewish students need us most.”

With more than 50,000 students on campus, including over 1,000 Jewish students, the Tanenbaums will focus on deepening engagement, building connections, and creating a warm and vibrant Jewish presence at USF.

“At a time when being visibly Jewish on campus can feel increasingly difficult, we want every Jewish student to feel a deep sense of belonging and pride in their identity,” the Tanenbaums shared. “Our goal is to ensure they have the support, programs, and relationships that empower them to live with confidence and conviction.”

The Tanenbaums bring years of experience working with Jewish communities across the globe. Rabbi Tanenbaum, who grew up in Houston, Texas, has spent several years collaborating with Jewish schools, organizations, and activists, providing educational content and resources through his work with JLI. He has also served in various rabbinic and educational roles in communities such as Manhattan, Puerto Rico, and South Africa.

Devo was raised in downtown Manhattan, where her father serves as a Chabad rabbi. As the child of parents who first connected with Jewish observance through Chabad on Campus—her father at The Ohio State University and her mother at Amherst College—Devo is proud to now join Chabad on Campus herself, bringing meaningful Jewish experiences to a new generation of students. She has also served as a student mentor at the Machon Alte seminary in Tzfat, Israel, and at Bnos Chomesh Girls High School in Crown Heights, where she guided and supported students in their personal growth.

The Tanenbaums are excited to bring their experience directly to campus life at USF, meeting students where they are and building a vibrant, supportive Jewish presence through engaging classes, Shabbat meals, social events, and holiday celebrations. They will also work with university leadership and faculty to ensure Jewish students’ needs are recognized and supported. Their goal is to make Jewish life on campus a source of pride, strength, and education, which students can carry long after graduation.

This moment marks a milestone for Jewish life at USF. Across campuses nationwide, students face new challenges to their comfort and pride in their Jewish identity. The Tanenbaums are determined to ensure that every Jewish student feels supported, welcomed, and connected to their heritage.

Take part in this milestone and help shape Jewish life at USF today:
https://www.charidy.com/jewsf