Mem Global's Ana Bonnheim Honored with Grinspoon Amber Award

Presented at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly, the awards recognize five inspiring Jewish communal professionals whose leadership and vision strengthen Jewish life and community.

(November 18, 2025) Today, Mem Global’s Founding Executive Director of the Jewish Learning Collaborative, Ana Bonnheim, was honored at the annual Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly among four other outstanding professionals who have made exceptional contributions to the Jewish world with the first ever Grinspoon Amber Awards.

The Awards honor professionals whose leadership and dedication have strengthened Jewish life in meaningful and enduring ways, celebrating individuals whose work shapes and uplifts the Jewish community. The inaugural Awards, first announced at the 2024 General Assembly, reflect both organizations’ shared commitment to celebrating and supporting the professionals who sustain Jewish communal life.

“I’m so honored to win an Amber Award,” said Rabbi Ana. “It symbolizes so much to me – the support that the work I do each day to bring Jewish learning to more people, the support for my leadership and the support for the many Jewish professionals who work each day to bring vibrant Judaism to life. I am honored to stand among them.”

Each 2025 Grinspoon Amber Awards recipient received a $10,000 prize and the opportunity to “pay it forward” by selecting two individuals they know whose work shapes Jewish life to receive Peer Recognition Grants of $2,500 each. This distinctive feature is intended to foster a ripple effect of gratitude, mentorship, and shared celebration across the Jewish communal field.

“We’re delighted to celebrate and honor each Grinspoon Amber Award winner for their outstanding contributions,” said Winnie Sandler Grinspoon, president of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. “Their leadership strengthens our communities, their dedication uplifts others, and their work inspires a new generation to find meaning and connection in Jewish life.”

Rabbi Bonnheim joins an esteemed cohort of other 2025 Grinspoon Amber Awards winners, including:

Jeremy Burton, CEO, JCRC Boston (Boston, MA)

Jonathan Falk, Vice President, Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program, Hillel International (Denver, CO)

Elana Frank, Founder and CEO, Jewish Fertility Foundation (Atlanta, GA)

Michelle Koplan, Chief Executive Officer, BB360 (Portland, OR)

This annual awards program was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to recognize and celebrate those who have made outstanding contributions to Jewish communal life. The program reflects founder Harold Grinspoon’s lifelong belief that strong, inspired professionals are vital to a vibrant Jewish future.

Mem Global looks forward to further celebrating the Jewish professional community with the 2026 Grinspoon Amber Awards. The nomination window will open on January 1, 2026 and extend through the end of February. Eligible nominees will then be invited to apply. For details on eligibility and the nomination process, visit www.amberawards.org or email [email protected].

About the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) envisions a future where everyone can meaningfully connect to Jewish life, culture, and community. HGF invests alongside our partners and donors to help create and sustain transformational experiences through several flagship programs: PJ Library, JCamp 180, and Life & Legacy. PJ Library sends more than 650,000 free Jewish children’s books to families around the globe every month. JCamp 180 supports more than 140 non-profit Jewish overnight and day camps to build their organizational effectiveness and long-term financial sustainability. Through Life & Legacy, HGF promotes endowment giving in Jewish communities and has helped secure $2B for a vibrant Jewish future. Learn more about HGF and its programs at hgf.org.