Our Story
Creating Inclusive Jewish Communities Together
Disability inclusion is about more than access. It is about proactively and intentionally building a community in which people with and without disabilities are able to come together in meaningful ways that promote full participation for everyone. An inclusive Jewish community strives for every individual to feel a true sense of belonging.
Matan is committed to meeting Jewish communities, organizations and schools where they are on their inclusion journey. We work collaboratively to train, coach and guide Jewish communal professionals, lay leaders and educators towards systemic disability inclusion.
Why We exist
Matan was created in the year 2000 to address the dearth of opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the Jewish community.
We recognize that 20% of the population has some kind of disability; too often, 1 in 5 people are excluded from the fabric of Jewish life.
Matan believes deeply that the Jewish community is only as strong and vibrant as its ability to include individuals with and without disabilities. We exist to ensure that disability inclusion is a priority, and that each community has the tools and knowledge necessary to promote successful and meaningful inclusion.
Our Mission
Matan empowers Jewish community leaders and educators through training, coaching and consultations to provide purposeful, enriching, and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.
Our Vision
Matan envisions a world in which all Jewish communities are stronger and more vibrant because people with and without disabilities share meaningful, inclusive experiences throughout every life stage.
Get to know our experienced team of professionals and board members!
Our Values
Collective Strength
Rooted in the Jewish belief that we are all created in the image of God, we firmly believe that communities are only as strong and vibrant as their ability to include all individuals.
Communal Responsibility
As a Jewish community, it is everyone’s responsibility to create inclusive experiences for people with and without disabilities. Matan provides communities with the necessary tools to be part of the solution.
Intentional Action
We strive to shift community conversations and mindsets to recognize that awareness is not the end-goal of inclusion. Leaders and educators must be both proactive and thoughtful in order to close the gap between the reality of limited access to community and the aspiration of true disability inclusion.
Collaborative Partnership
We recognize that Matan’s vision can only be realized through partnerships with organizations who are also committed to creating a fully inclusive Jewish community. Matan’s efforts expand exponentially when collaborating with whole communities, schools, Jewish communal agencies and others.
Supporters
We are grateful for every gift which has furthered Matan’s mission.
These foundations are a snapshot of support, both past and present, that Matan has received
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
The Marcus Foundation
Project Accelerate
The Jacob Silverman Charitable Trust
The Karma Foundation
Leo Oppenheimer and Flora Oppenheimer Haas Foundation
Anonymous Family Foundation via Jewish United Fund Chicago
Poses Family Foundation
Upstart
The Kupferberg Family Foundation
Jewish Funders Network
JE & ZB Butler Endowment Fund of UJA-Federation of NY
UJA Federation of NY
Rita J and Stanley H Kaplan Family Foundation
Connect With Us
Start collaborating with us for a more inclusive Jewish community.