Event Recaps Live From Tampa: Great Comedy. Greater Impact.

On September 23, 200 guests from Tampa, Pinellas and beyond joined us at The Orlo for Live From Tampa. With Tampa native Ester Steinberg and her husband, comedian and writer Noah Gardenswartz, taking the stage, we knew there would be plenty of laughter. The evening also gave us a chance to share why JELF’s work matters—and what this community can help make possible.

For Jewish students who have pieced together scholarships, financial aid and family resources, a remaining gap can still stand between them and their education. JELF helps fill that gap with interest-free loans for undergraduate, graduate and vocational programs. Students repay what they borrow, without interest adding to the cost of pursuing their future.

That impact became personal during the evening.

At the VIP reception, catered by Lynn’s Catering, JELF Board Chair Richard Peretz shared how an interest-free educational loan helped him along his own path. Richard went on to spend nearly 40 years at UPS, ultimately serving as its chief financial officer.

During the program, CEO Jenna Shulman welcomed guests, and former Board Chair Stan Lowenstein reflected on the importance of giving back. Stan’s son is now a junior at the University of South Florida, making the connection to education especially close to home.

Tampa native and attorney Michael Friedman then shared how a JELF loan helped him attend law school at the University of Florida. Today, Michael is a JELF donor himself. He told guests that his promissory note, stamped “PAID IN FULL,” remains one of his most prized documents, alongside his birth certificate.

His story captures something we hope every JELF recipient carries forward: the knowledge that their Jewish community believed in their future.

Then came the comedy. Noah and Ester kept the audience laughing with stories about Jewish life, parenthood, family and their careers. Having Ester return to her hometown—with family and friends in the audience—made the evening particularly special.

The need in Tampa and Pinellas remains substantial. In 2025, 18 Tampa Jewish students had a collective last-dollar need of $136,000. JELF lent $83,598, leaving more than $52,000 beyond what we could provide. Growing our local support means we can help meet more of that need. And as borrowers repay their loans, those dollars become available to help future students.

We are grateful to our host committee, volunteers and every sponsor who helped bring the evening together. Lead sponsors included Steno, along with Dr. Judy Genshaft and Steve Greenbaum, with many other generous supporters contributing to its success.

We also value our ongoing relationships with Tampa Jewish Family Services, Tampa JCCs & Federation, Gulf Coast JFCS and the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast, which help connect local students and families with JELF.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, brought a guest or helped make this night possible. The laughter brought us together. Your support helps turn that connection into opportunities for Jewish students.