Dear Matan Community,

Twenty-five years ago, I co-founded Matan with a vision: that every Jewish child, regardless of ability, deserves access to a meaningful and inclusive Jewish education. What began as a passionate idea – nurtured at kitchen tables, in conversations with families, and in synagogues and Jewish Community Centers in the New York area – has grown into a national organization that has shaped the field of Jewish disability inclusion across the lifespan.

Today, I’m deeply humbled and energized to share that I am stepping into the role of Executive Director of Matan. This is more than a professional milestone. It is a full-circle moment, and a profound responsibility.

When Matan first opened its doors, inclusion in Jewish spaces was still an emerging concept. We were asking new questions: How can Jewish education adapt to the needs of every individual? What does it look like when synagogues and schools truly welcome everyone? And perhaps most importantly: Who are we, as a community, if we leave anyone behind?

Over the years, Matan has helped educators, organizations, and leaders across the country not just ask these questions, but answer them with action. Through training, mentoring, and thought leadership, Matan has equipped thousands of Jewish professionals to create environments where all individuals and families feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

And yet, while we have made incredible progress, there is still so much work to be done. True inclusion is not a destination – it’s an ongoing commitment. There are still Jewish spaces where individuals feel unwelcome, still educators lacking the support they need, still voices unheard. As we look to the future, our challenge is not only to continue the work but to expand it, deepen it, and ensure it reaches every corner of Jewish life.

As I step into this new chapter, I bring with me not only the founding spirit of the organization, but also the experience of watching it grow, evolve, and become a respected force in the Jewish world.

My vision for Matan’s next chapter is rooted in continuity and possibility. We will continue to raise the bar for inclusive Jewish communities while expanding our reach across denominations, across life stages, and across the broader Jewish communal landscape. We will deepen our support for educators and organizations, while elevating the voices of individuals with disabilities and their families. And we will never stop asking: How can we do better, and who else must be included?

To the families, educators, partners, and supporters who have believed in this mission from the beginning – and those who have just recently joined us – thank you. You are the reason Matan exists. You are the reason inclusion will no longer be a footnote, but a foundational value in Jewish life.

Filled with appreciation, energized by our mission, and grounded in purpose, I am honored to lead Matan into its next 25 years.

With gratitude,

Meredith Englander Polsky
Executive Director