Rabbi nominated for community work

St Kilda Shule’s Rabbi Yaakov Glasman has been named one of four finalists for the 2026 Everyday Heroes Awards, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening relationships between religious communities.

Presented by The Art of Living Australia, the awards recognise “individuals whose service has made an outstanding difference to the community”. The initiative is part of a global movement operating across 182 countries, with winners to be announced this month.

“I was absolutely floored to see my name listed as a finalist given the global reach of these awards,” Rabbi Glasman said.

“Once it sunk in, I advised the organisers that I would only agree to be shortlisted if they displayed it as an honour for my shule community, not just for me … It’s my incredible shule that supports me in the important work I do in building bridges, and it is my community as a whole who deserves recognition.”

Rabbi Glasman’s interfaith work spans more than two decades and, more recently, has included involvement on the Glen Eira Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Port Phillip Multifaith Network. In 2021, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for “significant service to Judaism and interfaith dialogue, to rabbinical bodies, and to the community”.