Apr 4, 2025

Matan Celebrates 25 Years of Impact at Silver Anniversary Spring Event

Author: Bethany Spector

The Matan Silver Anniversary Spring Event, which took place on March 25 at Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City, brought together 150 Jewish community leaders, partners and supporters to reflect upon Matan’s transformative journey, celebrate its achievements and present several prestigious awards.

The evening’s festivities included a gallery showcasing a quarter-century of Matan memorabilia, a meaningful 25th anniversary video reflection as well as the presentation of three awards to outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the advancement of Jewish disability inclusion.

Park Avenue Synagogue Recognized with 2025 Leadership Award

Matan had the incredible honor of presenting the Leadership Award to Park Avenue Synagogue—its clergy, leadership, and members—for their unwavering commitment to disability inclusion. Their dedication ensures that every individual within their community is valued, welcomed, and truly belongs.

For 25 years, Matan and Park Avenue Synagogue have shared a special relationship in advancing disability inclusion within Jewish life. In recognition of this commitment, Suzanne Aisenberg, a longtime Park Avenue Synagogue member and past president of Matan’s Board of Directors, proudly presented this well-deserved award to Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Rabbi Neil Zuckerman.

Elaine Hall Honored with 2025 Trailblazer Award

Matan was honored to recognize Elaine Hall with the Trailblazer Award. Elaine is the internationally recognized founder of The Miracle Project, an inclusive theater and film program, and star of HBO’s Emmy Award Winning film Autism: The Musical. Additionally, she is a pioneer as one of Hollywood’s first Access Coordinators.

Elaine’s dear friend, Anita Altman, presented her with the award, reflecting on her groundbreaking work in the arts—creating inclusive Jewish and secular opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.

Jodi Newmark Presented with 2025 Impact Award

Matan was thrilled to recognize Jodi Newmark with the Impact Award for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that Chicago-area adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can fully participate in Jewish life.

As the Director of Encompass, a groundbreaking initiative of Chicago’s Jewish United Fund, Jodi has been a trailblazer in expanding community-based services and fostering meaningful inclusion.

Rabbi Steve Stark Lowenstein, Senior Rabbi of Am Shalom in Glencoe, Illinois, presented Jodi with this well-deserved award.

Dori Frumin Kirshner Saluted for Leadership at Matan

Matan had the privilege to salute Dori Frumin Kirshner, who recently stepped down as Executive Director.

Under Dori’s 17 years of visionary leadership, Matan grew into a national leader in Jewish disability inclusion. Her unwavering passion, dedication, and warmth have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless individuals and communities to prioritize inclusion so that everyone can participate meaningfully in Jewish life.

As part of the evening, Meredith Polsky delivered a heartfelt tribute, presenting Dori with a chanukiah – a symbol of the beautiful light she brought to Matan and Jewish disability inclusion.

Thank you to all of our supporters who placed an ad in our journal!

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