Matan: The Early Years

Matan: The Evolution of a Movement

Mission

One in five. That’s the number of people with disabilities in the United States today. Matan enables Jewish professionals, communities and families to create and sustain inclusive settings in educational, communal and spiritual aspects of Jewish life.

Read more about Matan’s history

Timeline

2021
Jun 14

#VirtuallyAnythingIsPossible

Matan’s first virtual event honoring Andrew Solomon and Rachel Kest with a special tribute to Dori Frumin Kirshner.

2019
Nov 14

2019 Event Honorees

Photo of 2019’s three honorees: Emily Perl Kingsley, Max J. Ash and Peter Flom. ⁣

2018
Jul 17

2018 Event Honorees

Photo of 2018’s three honorees: Ed Asner, Liane Carter, and Pamela Schuller. ⁣

2016
Jan 01

Here’s to the Next Five Years!

Over $125,000 is raised at Matan’s annual fundraising dinner and the organization celebrates five years of successful Institutes to change the inclusion landscape in the Jewish community.

2015
Jan 01

200 and Counting

Matan’s 200th Institute participant completes the program.

2012
Jan 01

Birth of an Institute

The Matan Institute, a revamped training model focusing on professional development and mentorship of Jewish leaders, is born.

2010
Jan 01

Looking Back and Moving Forward

An in-depth strategic evaluation is performed in order to assess the impact of the first 10 years and build for Matan’s future.

2005
Jan 01

New Leadership and A Solid Future

Matan hires its first non-founder Executive Director and the organization’s future is secured through a generous multi-year Foundation grant for institutional advancement and planning.

2001
Jan 01

Venturing Into Social Entrepreneurship

The Covenant Foundation awards Matan a 3­-year grant and Meredith is accepted into Joshua Venture Group as part of its inaugural fellowships for Jewish social entrepreneurs.

2000
Jan 01

Beginning with a Need

Meredith Englander Polsky, Dr. Stacy Berrin and Lori Strouch Kolinsky start Matan after it becomes clear that there is a need for a dedicated voice in the Jewish community regarding inclusion.