Chanukatalyst (a combination of the words "Chanukah" and "catalyst”) is an award that the JCC Budapest gives to the most inspiring members of the Jewish community. Each year the community members can nominate people they consider worthy of this award after which the voting begins.
In 2025, the JCC Budapest will give out the award for the 14th year in a row. Each year we receive over 15 nominations and thousands of votes, making this the most democratic award that is provided in the Hungarian Jewish community,
As a modern, 21st-century Jewish community center, it is particularly important for us to interpret and bring to life the texts of our traditions from a contemporary perspective. The three pillars mentioned in the above quote—learning, spiritual service, and good deeds—continue to provide guidance today. The activities of the Bálint House are also based on these three pillars, but as a modern Jewish community, we interpret their meaning from a contemporary perspective and in a broader sense.
In this spirit, we have created the Chanukatalyst Award, which this year celebrates outstanding representatives of these three pillars. Our goal is to recognize and acknowledge those who have enriched the community with their work, dedication, and commitment over the past year.
Outstanding teachers who have contributed to building our community through their wisdom, academic work, and teaching. We want to highlight the importance of teachers who inspire new generations, helping them gain a deeper understanding of Judaism and, through it, the world.
Creators of cultural experiences who have enriched the life of our community with special programs and events. We honor those who create opportunities for us to develop a closer connection to our cultural roots and traditions, thereby creating a stronger community.
Champions of good deeds who build a better world within and outside the community through their work. We are looking for inspiring individuals who connect generations through their good deeds and bring the values of our traditions to life in everyday life.
Do you know someone who deserves recognition?
Nominate your favorite Jewish hero here! Help us recognize those who have set an outstanding example for all of us in the areas of learning, service, and good deeds.
Please note that anyone who has been recognized in the past 5 years is not eligible for nomination!
2024
ÉLMÉNY KATEGÓRIA: Ausztrics AndreaTUDÁS KATEGÓRIA: Radnóti ZoltánTETT KATEGÓRIA: Winkler MiksaÉLETMŰDÍJ: Fritz Zsuzsa és Fischer Miklós2020
Király KingaHaver Alapítvány önkéntes csapata2016
Radnóti Zoltán rabbi100 év–100 tárgy – a Magyar Zsidó Múzeum és Levéltár kiállítása2012
Szeszler Anna
Hanoar Hatzioni Hungary
2023
ÉLMÉNY KATEGÓRIA: Cteen Hungary csapataTUDÁS KATEGÓRIA: Ádám EstherTETT KATEGÓRIA: Dr. Assaf ShemeshÉLETMŰDÍJ: Langfeld Judit2019
Vadász Magda2015
Verő Tamás rabbi és Verő-Bán Linda
Kő kövön – Töredékek a magyar vidéki zsidóság kultúrájából kiállítás a Néprajzi Múzeumban2022
PÁRBESZÉD DÍJ: Dr. Ruff TiborSZERVEZETEK DÍJ: Sinsin program – Maya Ben Ami és Yael SassonKÖZÖSSÉGDÍJ: Mayer András és Mayer GáborÉLETMŰDÍJ: Heisler AndrásKÜLÖNDÍJ: Az ukrán menekültválság során segítő partnerszervezetek*2018
Deák AndreaAdománytaxi2014
Toronyi Zsuzsanna
Csillagos Házak (OSA Archívum)
2021
Megyeri Jonatán és Borgula András Sanyinéni Telefonos Krízisvonal2017
Steiner ZsófiaBenjámin Óvoda2013
Nagy János Ádám
Kibuci Bucik Tábor