Signature programs

Matan Institute & Lieberman Fellowship

Matan was created with the recognition that Jews with disabilities have always been part of the Jewish people, and that we have the opportunity – and therefore, responsibility – to help to change the fabric of Jewish life through disability inclusion.

The Matan Institute fosters a space of learning and empowerment, providing director-level professionals within Jewish education with extensive training, resources, and mentorship.

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How We Do It

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How We Do It

Rooted in core Jewish values, Matan believes that championing inclusivity and belonging is the collective responsibility of our communities. We strive to foster this idea by creating cohorts of professionals and guiding their inclusion journey based upon the most up-to-date research and professional practices. Cohort participants learn with Matan’s team, as well as professionals in the Jewish and secular realm who are leaders in their fields. Matan Institute alumni possess the resources they need to implement change in their organizations and become inclusion ambassadors in their communities.

We work with participants over the course of a year so they are equipped to navigate their inclusion journey during their time in the Matan Institute, and long after they graduate. Matan offers extensive mentorship, collaborative training sessions, webinars and other educational resources, as well as  continued support and connection to a network of individuals working towards a shared vision.

What to Expect

40+ hours of disability inclusion training

Learning Modules Include:

Developmental & cognitive disabilities, mental health & behavior challenges, budgeting, visioning, change theory & much more!

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8 hours of 1:1 mentoring

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3 hours of group coaching

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Culminating Inclusion Impact Project on a topic of choice

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A network of other like-minded colleagues

Cohort 15 Dates & Locations

Our opening days together will take place from January 12 to 14, 2025. Cohort 15 will come together for a culminating program from December 7 to 9, 2025. These sessions will be held in person in New York City. Virtual session dates are April 29, 2025 and October 21, 2025.

Institute Pricing:
$1,800 for first participant
$1,200 for additional participant from same organization

Questions? Please reach out to Meredith Polsky, Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships, at mpolsky@mataninc.org

Click Here to Begin Application
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Opening Date

January 12-14, 2025, New York City

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Virtual Dates

April 29, 2025 & 
October 21, 2025

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Closing Date

December 7-9, 2025, New York City

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Pricing

$1,800 for first participant

Institute Alumni

Past participants include director-level professionals from organizations such as:

  • Park Avenue Synagogue – New York, NY
  • Central Synagogue- New York, NY
  • Temple Isaiah – Los Angeles, CA
  • Kol HaNeshamah – Seattle, WA
  • Congregation B’nai Amoona – St. Louis, MO
  • Talmud Torah of Minneapolis – Adath Jeshurun Congregation and Beth El Synagogue – 
 Minneapolis, MN
  • Temple Judea – Palm Beach Gardens, FL
  • Congregation B’nai Israel – Rockville, MD
  • Gesher Jewish Day School – Fairfax, VA
  • Temple Beth Ami – Rockville, MD
  • Temple Beth El – Madison, WI
  • The Lab Shul – New York, NY
  • Friendship Circle of Cleveland – Cleveland, OH
  • Golda Och Academy – West Orange, NJ
  • Westchester Reform Temple – Scarsdale, NY
  • JKG – Jewish Kids Groups – Atlanta, GA
  • Am Yisrael Conservative Synagogue – Northfield, IL
  • Bonai Shalom – Boulder, CO
  • Congregation Or Tzion – Phoenix, AZ
  • Temple Beth Or – Raleigh, NC
  • Temple Israel – New York, NY
  • Testimonial

    In their own words

    “Two of the invaluable resources that come from being part of a Matan cohort include being connected to a network of like minded professionals in the field who can be springboards for ideas and sharing best practices, as well as a mentor who will visit you onsite and work with you to identify goals for your specific Jewish educational context. It is really a gift to have access to these resources!”

    • Rabbi Micah Liben
    • Education Director
    • Temple Emanuel in Woodcliff Lake, NJ

    Connect With Us

    Start collaborating with us for a more inclusive Jewish community.

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