Mazal Tov to everyone recognised at the Jewish Volunteering Network Awards last week. With 56 communities, the United Synagogue is powered by more than 2,000 dedicated volunteers.
Our volunteers are the heartbeat of the United Synagogue, supporting everything from the day-to-day running of our synagogues to children’s services, security, head office, cemeteries and our Chesed projects. Every volunteer is highly valued and a winner in our eyes!
We are especially proud to celebrate those who received awards on the night.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Susan Starr, Stanmore and Cannons Park Synagogue, as well as her wider involvement in United Synagogue projects, including US Chesed.
Susan has been a dedicated volunteer at Stanmore Synagogue for over 30 years and is a pioneer of synagogue-based community care. She founded Stanmore Community Cares long before such structures were common and later helped establish United Synagogue Community Cares, the forerunner of US Chesed, shaping care provision across 56 synagogues.
Susan leads social, welfare and bereavement support, coordinates Chesed projects, and oversees volunteers with compassion and professionalism. She also cooks for the US Chesed foodbank and ensures high standards of care. An inspiring leader, Susan exemplifies the true value of chesed.
Volunteer Team of the Year Award
The United Synagogue Inclusion Team represented by Claire Diskin from Radlett Synagogue and Daniel Roth from Stanmore and Cannons Park Synagogue.
The United Synagogue Inclusion Leads are a dedicated team of volunteer Inclusion Officers who have driven meaningful, lasting change across 56 communities. Focused on physical accessibility and neurodiversity, they have delivered practical improvements including Shabbat lifts, accessible bimahs, quiet spaces, inclusive signage and sensory resources. Working at grassroots level, they share best practice, support one another and help synagogue leaders understand how small changes can have a big impact. Their sustained commitment, empathy and collaboration are reshaping communal culture, ensuring synagogue life is not only welcoming in principle but accessible in practice for all.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Tribe’s Ben Morganstein was named Young Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his volunteering at Tribe camp.
Ben is an exceptional Tribe volunteer whose dedication, resilience and selflessness set him apart. Having grown up in the movement, he has spent the last three summers giving back, with this year reaching an extraordinary level as he volunteered for two full months across five countries. Ben played key leadership roles on Tribe’s Israel tour and as Deputy Head of Camp in Europe, supporting participants and younger leaders with calmness and maturity, often at personal cost. Beyond camps, he has helped strengthen engagement for university-age leaders. Ben’s humility, commitment and impact make him a truly deserving of the award.
Volunteer of the Year Award
David Franklin received the for his dedicated service at Northwood and Ruislip Synagogue. David is described as ‘Enthusiastic, vibrant and always available at all times with a smile!’
We are immensely proud of all those recognised and thank every one of our volunteers for the vital role they play in our community. Click here to find out more about our wide range of volunteering roles and be part of something special.
15 January 2026