Recognizing excellence today, cultivating leadership for tomorrow.

The Grinspoon Amber Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements and dedication of professionals working within the Jewish community. Conceived of and funded by Harold Grinspoon, these awards pay tribute to the many professionals who have worked alongside Harold to make his dreams for the Jewish community into transformative programs supporting, engaging and delighting Jews of all ages and persuasions around the world.

Each year, five distinguished individuals will be recognized with a Grinspoon Amber Award, receiving not only a monetary prize ($10,000 USD) but also the opportunity to "pay it forward," by themselves awarding two Peer Recognition Grants ($2,500 USD each). These grants enable award recipients to support and empower emerging leaders, thereby fostering a cycle of continuous growth, inspiration, and excellence within the Jewish community.

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.

The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint, uses the word amber (elektron in Greek) three times to translate the Hebrew word chashmal, which  today in Israel means “electricity.” This leaves us with a beautiful interplay between ancient symbolism and modern innovation: amber, a fossilized resin, represents the preservation of the past, while its association with electricity evokes the dynamic energy of the future. The recipients of the Grinspoon Amber Awards embody the timeless continuity of tradition and the spark of progress that power the Jewish community. These awards honor their unwavering commitment, outstanding service, and transformative contributions.