MATAN

Summer has us thinking about our favorite books that reflect disability, inclusion and Jewish values. From children's stories and young adult novels to books that help us learn more about how to be an ally, we are always searching for our next favorite thing!

*Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
*Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor
*The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kapit
*Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau

Explore the full list and links to purchase here: https://mataninc.org/matans-favorites

P.S. While you're there, check out other things we love! Every purchase supports Matan’s work.

Curious about Matan Katan? Join us for a live Zoom info session on Tuesday, July 8 from 3:00–4:00 PM (ET)!

Drop in anytime during the hour to preview the curriculum, ask questions, and learn more about how Matan Katan supports inclusive Jewish learning for our youngest students.

Check out an overview of Matan Katan - and register to receive the Zoom link - at https://mataninc.org/resources/

We’re proud to honor the voices, experiences, and leadership of people with disabilities, and to keep working toward a Jewish community where everyone belongs.

Because of you, we’ve made incredible strides in Jewish disability inclusion this year. Now, with just a few days left before our fiscal year ends on June 30, we’re asking for your help to keep the momentum going.

Donate now and power the year ahead: https://donate.mataninc.org/

Meet the next amazing member of the Matan team: Jennie 'Gates' Beckman, our Programs & Partnerships Manager!

Image Description: Green background with the text "The People Behind the Purpose," featuring a photo of Jennie with shoulder-length dark hair and glasses. The text highlights her title (Programs & Partnerships Manager), location (Omaha, Nebraska), fun fact, and favorite quote.

Educators! Planning your PD days for the new school year?

Matan offers a wide range of engaging, interactive workshops designed to help you build inclusive Jewish learning environments where every student can thrive.

From one-hour sessions to full-day trainings, we’ve got options to fit your needs—and our calendar is already filling up!

Book your professional development with Matan today: https://mataninc.org/matan-workshops-and-trainings/

Home page - Matan Guided by best practices, advancements in the field, and our team of experienced professionals, Matan strives to empower Jewish communities and leaders towards meaningful action. Matan is a trusted partner providing tailored resources, training, guidance and support to reshape accessibility to Jewis...

We’re proud to support NewCAJE as both a vendor and a presenter this year!

Our Executive Director, Meredith Polsky, is representing Matan and connecting with incredible educators who are committed to making Jewish learning accessible and inclusive for all students.

Thank you to everyone working to create meaningful and welcoming learning environments—come say hi at our table!

🎉 Mazel Tov to Carter Wernick on becoming a Bar Mitzvah! 🎉

We’re honored that Carter chose to support Matan through his tzedakah project. His commitment to inclusion reflects what Jewish community is all about - a place where everyone belongs.

Thinking about your own mitzvah project? Follow Carter’s lead and make a difference with Matan. We’d love to help you get started!

Today, on Juneteenth, Matan honors the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice for all.

June is a whirlwind—end-of-year celebrations, packing for camp, summer plans... and lots of transitions. Whether this time feels joyful or overwhelming, we’ve put together a few tips to help families navigate summer with more calm and confidence:

* Communication tips for camp
* Sticking to a schedule
* Keeping supports in place
* Sensory-friendly ideas
* Self-care reminders for caregivers

Check out the full list here: https://mataninc.org/insights-info/summer-inclusion-tips-for-parents/

Headed to NewCAJE? So are we!

Matan’s Executive Director, Meredith Polsky, will be presenting at NewCAJE 16 in Baltimore! Catch her workshop on June 23 at 2:00 PM: Reaching and Teaching All Learners: Creating a Culture of Inclusion in the Supplemental School Setting

Come learn with us as we explore how to build truly inclusive Jewish learning spaces. Hope to see you there!

Curious what’s inside Matan Katan?

NEW: We just added the list of Matan Katan lesson themes to our website!

Our new inclusive curriculum for Pre-K and Kindergarten includes 25 engaging lessons on Jewish holidays, Torah stories, tefillah, brachot, and more—designed with strategies to support all learners.

Visit our website to check out the full list of themes: https://mataninc.org/resources/