Rabbi nominated for community work
Rabbi Yaakov Glasman has been named one of four finalists for the 2026 Everyday Heroes Awards.
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”.
During his presidency of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, following the council’s inaugural biennial conference in 2010, he led the development of formal guidelines for Orthodox rabbinic engagement with other faith communities. After the guidelines were adopted by the council, Rabbi Glasman presented the first copy to then Victorian premier Ted Baillieu at Parliament House.
“Irrespective of which of the four shortlisted nominees wins, I am so incredibly proud to lead such an amazing shule community, and I feel both humbled and grateful every day that I get to call St Kilda Shule my home,” Rabbi Glasman told The AJN.
Under his leadership, St Kilda Shule welcomes about 500 groups each year, including schools, faith communities, politicians, civic leaders and members of the public.
The 2026 Everyday Heroes Awards recognise service across 12 categories, ranging from community impact to humanitarian excellence.
“For St Kilda Shule, the nomination highlights the role a single congregation can play in helping people of different backgrounds better understand and support one another.”