Richard M. Levine
Shine A Light - Arts for Impact Program 2026
Using paintbrushes, cameras and scripts, students take a stand against hate.
Artists express themselves on themes of modern-day antisemitism and the realities of the Holocaust.
All contest entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.
All winning entries will be revealed at the Yom HaShoah Commemorative/Shine A Light Awards Event on Monday April 13, 2026.
Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC
522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa
Visual Arts Contest
Artists are invited to create 2D artwork on canvas or paper that combats modern-day antisemitism or commemorates the Holocaust. Accepted media include acrylic, oil, watercolor, charcoal, ink, and pastels. Additionally, digital photography and graphic design submissions are eligible for an honorable mention.
4 Divisions: grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Collegiate.
1st Place
$1,000 per division
2nd Place
$500 per division
3rd Place
$250 per division
4 Honorable Mentions
$100 each division
The winning artwork will be showcased throughout the Tampa Bay area as part of the traveling Shine A Light on Antisemitism Art exhibition 2026-2027.
Short-Film Contest
Filmmakers will produce a short film, 1 to 15 minutes in length, centered on the theme of modern-day antisemitism or the impact of the Holocaust. Films can be created using any digital device (such as an iPhone) and editing software (such as iMovie). To submit, please provide a link to your film on Vimeo or a similar video platform.
3 Divisions: grades 6-8, 9-12, Collegiate.
1st Place
$500 per division
2nd Place
$250 per division
3rd Place
$100 per division
The 1st Place winning films will be featured at the Community Wide Yom HaShoah Commemoration in April 2026.
Playwrights Contest
Playwrights will write an original one-act script sample that explores a character’s perspective on modern-day antisemitism or reflects on Holocaust remembrance. The script must not exceed 30 pages or a 10-minute performance time.
3 Divisions: grades 6-8, 9-12, Collegiate.
1st Place
$500 per division
2nd Place
$250 per division
3rd Place
$100 per division
One winning script will be selected to be performed during the Yom HaShoah Commemorative/Shine A Light Awards Event on April 13, 2026.
Students of all faiths and ethnicities are encouraged to participate!
Generously Sponsored by
1st Place Winners
1st Place - Collegiate Level | Beneath The Star’s Wings | Artist Briana M.
1st Place - Senior Division | When Words Leave Cracks | Artist: Mila G.
1st Place Junior Division | 60 | Artist: Lisa S.
1st Place Primary | Harmony Guardian Angel | Artist Aanvi P.
2nd Place Winners
2nd Place Senior Division | Lifted-From-The-Ruins | Artist Rudra P.
2nd Place Junior Division | Between Two Worlds | Artist: Alexis R.
2nd-Place - Primary Division | The Need To Be Heard | Artist Anika-S.
3rd Place Winners
3rd-Place-Senior Division | Never Again: Remembering The Past, Fighting For The Future | Artist Saisharat Y.
3rd Place Junior Division | Can You Feel The Light? | Artist: Brody M.
3rd Place Primary Division | The Light Of Hanukkah – The Light To The World | Artist Sarayu I.
Honorable Mention
Senior Division:
GRADES 10-12
Smoke And Flame | By Kaleigh B.
Kindness Is Wisdom | By Ashley D.
Where Are They Taking Mom | By Susana O.
Shining Through | By Sydney G.
Light In A Dark Forest | By Ava J.
Reverence Of The Rings | By Fiona (August) F.
Vis Azoy Lang Zol Es Geh’n | By Ava Rae B.
Love Will Conquer Hate | By Ross G.
Junior Division:
GRADES 7-9
Israel Is Home In Our Hearts | By Naomi M.
6 Years 6 Lives | | By Bellamarie G.
Gas Filled Chamber | By Sayuri R.
Save Me From This Genocide | By Emma J.
The Last Tear | By Sarita G.
Happy Moments | By Ja’leah L.
Changing A Lightbulb | By Julia F.
Be The Light | By Ekaterina G.
Scared | By Jackson S.
Primary Division:
GRADES 4-6
Shining Starlight On Antisemitism | By Tomas M.
Antisemitism: Horrors Of Holocaust | By Shrihan K.
Responsibility | By Paisley F.
Poetry Of A Broken Mind Sadness | By Lillian T.
Together Against Hate | By Venkata T.
Shining A Light On Upstanders | By Delilah B.
Prayers Beyond Borders | By David R.
Antisemitism Is Deep-Rooted: Plant New Beliefs | By Lorelai B.
