ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Grinspoon Amber Awards celebrate the brilliance of our present and the promise of our future, by shining a light on those who lead us with their vision, dedication, and passion.

Across North America, in synagogues, Federations, schools, camps, community centers, social service agencies and multiple other organizations, there are professionals who quietly shape Jewish life. They are the educators, youth workers, artists, ritual facilitators, leaders and relationship-builders whose uncommon dedication and far-reaching impact set them apart.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) proudly announced the launch of the Grinspoon Amber Awards at the 2024 General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) in Washington, D.C.  and will be proud to present the awards at the annual General Assembly, where thousands come together for one of the largest gatherings of Jewish professionals in North America. HGF and JFNA aim to elevate the visibility and value of professional leadership, amplify a culture of appreciation and excellence, and inspire a new generation of dedicated change-makers in Jewish life.

RECOGNITION THAT RIPPLES OUTWARD

Each Amber Award recipient receives:

The Grinspoon Amber Awards were created to honor professionals who have made exceptional contributions to the Jewish world. Whether through visionary achievements, steadfast dedication to Jewish values, bridge-building across diverse communities, or courage in the face of adversity, these are individuals whose work has had a profound and lasting impact on Jewish life.

Each Amber Award winner also has the opportunity to nominate two individuals for Peer Recognition Grants. These grants allow award winners to "pay it forward" - shining a light on others whose work is shaping Jewish life in meaningful ways, creating a ripple effect that transforms a singular moment of honor into a growing circle of gratitude, encouragement, and, celebration.

Peer Recognition Grant nominees must be full-time employees of a 501(c)(3) organization serving the Jewish community. We encourage Amber Award winners to consider individuals from their home community, but this is not required.   Nominees for Peer Recognition Grants must come from outside the Award winner’s  own organization. All nominations will undergo standard due diligence by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

INSPIRED BY HAROLD GRINSPOON

Conceived of and funded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, these awards pay tribute to the many professionals who have worked to make their dreams for the Jewish community into transformative programs supporting, engaging and delighting Jews of all ages and persuasions around the world. It’s important to recognize outstanding leadership,  and honor their contribution in a way that is both personal and public. This award exists to affirm, celebrate, and elevate the exceptional professionals whose contributions shape our collective future.

PARTNERSHIP FROM THE START

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) proudly announced the launch of the Grinspoon Amber Awards at the 2024 General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) in Washington, D.C. HGF partnered with JFNA on this initiative because of their shared commitment to uplifting the professionals who power both the Federation system and the broader Jewish communal ecosystem. Through this partnership, HGF and JFNA aim to elevate the visibility and value of professional leadership, amplify a culture of appreciation and excellence, and inspire a new generation of dedicated change-makers in Jewish life.

WHY AMBER?

The recipients of the Grinspoon Amber Awards will receive a piece of amber dating back 20 – 30 million years, representing the timeless continuity of tradition and the spark of progress that propels the community forward