This past year has been defined by strength and perseverance, guiding us into a new chapter filled with optimism and a deepened commitment to our Jewish community — from Greater Boston to Israel and beyond. As we begin the 2025–2026 fiscal year, we turn to our Annual Campaign Co-chairs, Michelle Black and Matthew Sidman, whose leadership and passion elevate and inspire us.

We sat down with them to hear their thoughts on how we can keep building a vibrant Jewish future together.

Michelle, why did you want to Co-chair CJP’s Campaign?

CJP has always been an important organization that Darren and I proudly support — I deeply believe in the work they do and admire the comprehensive way they serve our community. The more I can advocate for their efforts, the stronger our collective impact will be. This role is an incredible opportunity to share my passion for CJP, connect with others to understand what matters most to them, and help reinforce the trust in CJP's strategic use of resources. I'm eager to roll up my sleeves and get started.

Matthew, why did you want to Co-chair CJP’s Annual Campaign for another year?

I wanted to be involved in the campaign again because there's so much more to accomplish — it's an important time in the Greater Boston Jewish community and in the world for us to stand together. I want to continue the work we started last year.

Michelle, as our newest Co-chair, can you tell us about the leadership that led you here? And why CJP specifically?

I grew up in a Federation family, and that foundation was deeply meaningful to me. Jewish communal leadership often begins with the examples set by parents, and I was fortunate to witness that firsthand. When I moved to Boston, I was looking to find community and eventually began to engage in volunteer roles and philanthropic work within CJP. Initially, I was involved in young adult leadership — and chaired the Young Couples Committee, Ben Gurion Society, and Young Adult Planning Committee. I was eventually asked to join the board of CJP and have since chaired the Governance Committee, the Teen Engagement Taskforce, and currently serve as a member of the Committee on Strategic Priorities. I have also served on the board of Temple Beth Elohim, The Rashi School, and Gann Academy.  And now, my focus continues to shift to CJP’s efforts on college campuses, where I’m committed to supporting students — particularly around rising antisemitism and the urgent challenges they face today.

What do you think is unique about Greater Boston’s Jewish community?

Michelle: What sets this community apart is that people here genuinely care about the collective health of the Greater Boston Jewish community. In other places, the work can feel more siloed, with individuals or organizations focused only on their specific agendas. But in Boston, there’s a shared commitment to a broader vision of communal strength and long-term sustainability. That unified mindset can make fundraising more complex — but it’s also exactly what makes CJP and this community so resilient and powerful.

Matthew: Boston has such a strong level of commitment to building community which was evident with the overwhelming participation in the Israel Emergency Fund — there’s a real sense of supporting your neighbors, both locally and globally.

Michelle, what do you think your biggest challenge will be? How will you navigate it?

For years, I’ve said that one of CJP’s greatest challenges is demonstrating its relevance in people’s everyday lives. It’s relatively easy to list the programs and organizations we support — but helping individuals see how CJP directly impacts them is far more complex. That connection isn’t always explicit, yet it’s essential for long-term engagement.  Another significant challenge is that much of our funding across the community continues to come from the same core group of donors. To ensure the sustainability and growth of our work, we must broaden our base of support. Expanding that reach isn’t just a fundraising goal — it’s mission-critical to achieving our communal vision.

Matthew, what have you found to be your biggest challenge so far? How are you navigating it?

Matching the passion and energy of the community can be difficult, but that’s what keeps us moving forward. For me, it's about reaching as many people as I can, having meaningful dialogue so I can understand how to continue to improve the Jewish communal experience.

Michelle, what are you looking forward to accomplishing with the community during your time as Co-chair?

What excites me most is the opportunity to connect with so many different people — to strengthen relationships in a personal way, while we work toward fundraising goals. Too often, people are intimidated by the idea of asking for money or being asked, but I don’t see it that way. To me, it’s about discovering what people care about most and helping them see how CJP can be a meaningful avenue for supporting those passions — whether it’s a program, an organization, or a cause. When we frame these conversations around shared values and Jewish identity, they become not only productive but inspirational. It’s about partnering with people to help them make an impact in ways that align deeply with who they are and their core Jewish values.

Matthew, what are you most proud of our community for accomplishing during your time as Co-chair?

I am proud of my involvement in the development of CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism. Antisemitism is at an all-time high, making it challenging for Jewish community members to feel welcome in civic spaces, let alone safe. CJP is actively working to reverse this disturbing trend in Greater Boston, joining forces with civic leaders, institutions, schools, and neighborhoods to make a measurable difference.

In a year where so much focus was on the needs in Israel, how did you frame the importance of the Annual Campaign work to our donors?

Michelle: We need to focus on both. We need to make sure that we have a vibrant Jewish community here AND in Israel. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other. They are equally essential and mutually reinforcing. What matters is understanding what resonates most with the person sitting across the table. Every dollar counts, and every area of impact matters. If we focus too narrowly, we risk being short-sighted in both how we raise funds and how we allocate them. A holistic approach is the only way to ensure we’re truly supporting the full spectrum of Jewish life — locally and globally.

Matthew: Yes, the community stepped up and showed up for Israel, but we have never wavered in supporting our local Greater Boston community. The Annual Campaign is what enabled CJP to continue to provide services and meet the needs of the community at home. The ability to do both has been extraordinary, and one we shouldn’t take for granted. A strong Annual Campaign allows CJP the flexibility to address needs in both our local community as well as Israel.

In the midst of such challenging times for the Jewish community — war, the rise in antisemitism, communal grief — what gives you hope?

Michelle: What gives me hope for the Jewish future is the resilience I see in the next generation. Whether it’s young people showing up on campus, engaging in meaningful conversations about identity, or stepping into leadership roles in their communities, they’re not only proud to be Jewish — they’re shaping what Jewish life will look like. Their commitment to justice, learning, and connection reminds me that our tradition is not only enduring but evolving in powerful, inspiring ways.

Matthew: What gives me hope is what I see in the Jewish community — strength. I am hopeful knowing our community comes together across the spectrum of ages. Since October 7, participation levels at events have risen dramatically and people are more committed and engaged. We have survived for thousands of years for a reason; we always overcome the odds.

Three words to describe your leadership style?

Michelle: Communal, Inclusive, Joyful
Matthew: Passionate, Motivated, Direct

Two words to describe CJP?

Michelle: Strategic, Trustworthy
Matthew: Cornerstone, Community

One major focus area this year to help create a thriving Jewish future?

Michelle: Investing in meaningful Jewish education across all ages. From early childhood through adulthood, opportunities to learn, question, and explore Jewish texts, values, history, and identity help build a strong foundation for engagement.

Matthew: To broaden our tent and to welcome in those who want to share in our journey.