This past year has been one of resilience, leading us into a new era of hope and dedication to community — in Greater Boston, in Israel, and beyond. As we move toward 2025, we look to our Annual Campaign Co-chairs, Kimberly Creem, David Adler, and Matthew Sidman, for their steadfast leadership and commitment to uplifting the Jewish People.

We caught up with them for their insights on how we can continue to work toward a thriving Jewish future.

Kimberly, what made you decide to extend your term for a third year?

David and I — and the whole team — had such strong momentum this past year with new initiatives I really wanted to see through. I just can’t leave!

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

In my first year as Co-chair, I was just starting to get to know our donors — listening to them and building relationships with them. Serving a second year is a great opportunity to build those relationships and to do more good for our community.

Matthew, why did you want to co-chair CJP’s Annual Campaign? What led you to this role?

I’ve been involved with CJP in some way for over 20 years. My grandfather and both my parents ran the Annual Campaign, and they each took a turn as Chair of CJP. So, it’s really something I’ve been around as a focus of our family’s involvement in the Jewish community. When I got the call, for me the only response was “yes.”

What is unique about Greater Boston’s Jewish community?

David: Diversity — of backgrounds, religious practices, geographic location, opinions, and more. And yet, we have such a strong unity of purpose in support of the Jewish People.

Kimberly: The dedication of Greater Boston’s Jewish community is very unique. We come out strong and support one another when we need to.

Matthew: The sense of togetherness. As a community we raised considerable dollars post-October 7 — there’s a real sense of supporting your neighbors — not just locally but also supporting global Jewry. It’s a long-standing tradition for CJP to be a leader among American cities.

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

Kimberly: Reaching the entire Jewish population can be difficult, but with persistence and dedication to new ideas, I know we can.

David: Getting more community members to connect and talk about their investment in the Annual Campaign. I try to navigate this with patience and periodic follow ups. The time it takes to be able to engage with and listen to our donors is well worth it.

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

Reaching as many people as I can to have a dialogue with them so I can understand where the CJP donor base is at and try to meet their needs. I want to get out there and talk to people, spend time with them, and be a good listener.

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

David: Rising up to generously support Israel, while at the same time understanding that we need to continue to address the ever-increasing needs of our community and to protect the Jewish future here at home.

Kimberly: We learned the role we play in meeting the moment. The dedication and commitment of CJP and the community we serve to both Israel and the Greater Boston is unparalleled.

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

I think the goal is to get more people involved and to make everyone feel a real connection with CJP and what’s going on within the community. I want to help broaden and deepen their engagement.

Kimberly and David, in a year where so much focus was on the Israel Emergency Fund, how did you frame the importance of the Annual Campaign to our donors?

Kimberly: It’s important to build the fire department before the fire. Having a strong foundation with our Annual Campaign is what allows us to move so quickly to set up emergency funds. We let people know that the Annual Campaign is what keeps our Jewish community going.

David: Just as there is an urgency to provide support to our Israeli brothers and sisters in their greatest time of need, there is an urgency to take care of each other — which is what the Annual Campaign is all about.

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

Matthew: Really, two things. First, the Jewish community has survived for thousands of years, despite all we’ve had to overcome. Second, when I was in Israel last year, the strength of the people who were most affected by October 7 and their optimism gave me so much hope. 

David: The historical resilience of the Jewish people and our love for one another gives me so much hope.

Kimberly: The thoughtfulness of organizations like CJP gives me hope. I’m also inspired by CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism and how they educate our children and the community on what antisemitism is and how to respond.

Three words to describe your leadership

Kimberly: Enthusiastic, Engaging, Dedicated
David: Love, Example, Thoughtful
Matthew: Passionate, Motivated, Direct

Two words to describe CJP

David: Impact, Peoplehood
Matthew: Cornerstone, Community
Kimberly: Inclusive, Strategic

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

Matthew: Broadening the reach of CJP
Kimberly: Safety and security
David: Engagement