Frank Maxwell receives his Lifetime Achievement Award
Members of Progressive Jewish communities were strongly represented among those honoured at the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) Awards.
The annual ceremony is a powerful celebration of volunteering across the Jewish community, recognising all those who go above and beyond to help others.
Writing in the event’s brochure, Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, reflected: “It is the everyday commitment, dedication, and empathy of volunteers that truly transforms lives.
“Each act of giving, whether supporting a neighbour, mentoring a young person, or lending time to a charitable cause, builds connections, nurtures hope, and strengthens the bonds that make our community resilient and caring.”
Rabbi Josh addressed the event (see video below), speaking about the Jewish contribution to the wider British voluntary sector and congratulating all the winners.
Members of Progressive communities were honoured in the following categories:
Volunteer Team of the Year: The Liberal Jewish Synagogue Bereavement Support Group
The Bereavement Support Group at the LJS offers emotional and spiritual support to bereaved individuals at a time in their lives when they feel bereft, vulnerable, isolated and lonely. Regular contact from volunteers provides comfort and community support extending beyond the first year of mourning, with values of compassion, companionship and empathy informing the group’s work.
Volunteer Team of the Year: Wellspring Trustees including Suzi Philip (Finchley Reform Synagogue) and Cheryl Brodie (Alyth)
Wellspring’s trustees and experts from across the Jewish and non-Jewish world are doing something which feels in its nature that of the Divine, they are truly creating. Taking the nugget of an idea missing from our religious and spiritual lives and bringing it into existence. They are creating methodology which combines work in the mental health and wellbeing sphere with that of the creation of ritual to support people through moments of transition in their lives.
Volunteer of the Year: Michele Benn (Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation: Neve Shalom)
Michele, Environmental Impact Lead at LPJC, demonstrates unwavering support for EcoJudaism’s mission and is a true inspiration. A small community, it punches above it weight in terms of environmental action. Michele regularly leads interfaith workshops addressing environmental challenges and has held various successful events linked to the Jewish calendar, such as an intergenerational Seder and Souper Sukkot lunch.
Volunteer of the Year: Michael Romain (The Liberal Jewish Synagogue)
Michael has been volunteering quietly, effectively and continuously for many years – supporting, initiating and leading a variety of important communal activities. His motivation for volunteering is profound and grounding – he plays a major role in increasing the wellbeing and spiritual growth of members of the LJS.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ian Cohen (Coventry Jewish Reform Community)
Ian was celebrated for decades of service to Coventry Jewish Reform Community – being part of its executive leadership, leading services, being a pastoral presence at funerals and stone-settings, and helping youngsters prepare for B’ Mitzvah.
Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Josh Levy with JVN winner Dr Selina Gellert
Lifetime Achievement Award: Frank Maxwell (Birmingham Progressive Synagogue)
Frank was praised for a lifetime of volunteering rooted in moral courage, social justice and sustained charitable leadership. From challenging prejudice in his local community to decades of involvement with Jewish and humanitarian organisations, including as Chair of World Jewish Relief in the Midlands, his work has consistently focused on supporting those who are marginalised or overlooked.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr Selina Gellert (Alyth)
Selina was honoured for her long-standing commitment to volunteering and her service during the COVID pandemic, delivering food to vulnerable communities through JW3. Her work reflects a strong commitment to Jewish values in action, offering care outwardly to people of all faiths and backgrounds with generosity and respect.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Alexandra Weiss (The Liberal Jewish Synagogue)
Alexandra was recognised for her compassionate volunteering, particularly her work with the Bereavement Support Group at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, where she helps create a confidential, supportive space for members at times of loss. Her volunteering reflects a deep commitment to community care, connection and ensuring people feel truly supported and known.
The Awards – media partnered by Jewish News – also saw the launch of JVN’s ‘The Living Archive’, an evolving, multimedia installation that honours and preserves the stories of communal volunteering for generations to come.
Speaking after the event, JVN CEO Nicky Goldman said: “The atmosphere in the room was wholehearted and supportive, cheering those who give so much to others. The particular focus this year on lifetime achievers, starting with the brand-new Living Archive Exhibit of their volunteering stories, was inspiring.”