Welcome
Dear Gateways Friends,
We are delighted to share our Annual Report for the 2024 Fiscal Year (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024), highlighting our key achievements, particu meaningful in the shadow of October 7. This year, even more families to us seeking joyful Jewish experiences for their children. Indeed, we supported almost 200 students across 12 Jewish day schools, our content experts provided over 30 training sessions to educators nationwide, and our Jewish educational programs thrived All this was possible because of your ongoing support and partnership!
Just one month after October 7, 2023, we held an emotional Sweet Sounds marking the 20th anniversary of our beloved B’nei Mitzvah Program and honoring the more than 100 B’nei Mitzvah students and alumni. This remarkable program has enabled children with disabilities and their families to engage in this momentous milestone, welcoming them into adulthood and the next phase of their Jewish communal journey A newly established giving opportunity, The Gateways B’nei Mitzvah Fund: Every Child Counts, will ensure that all families have the requisite support and can experience the joy of having their children lead the community in a personally fulfilling way.
This year, we also focused on investing in specific offerings to both deepen and broaden our impact. We launched the national rollout of Shiluv, our groundbreaking peer disability education program. Shiluv engages students and educators in experiential Jewish programming in order to cultivate an environment of respect for and appreciation of learning, physical, and developmental differences Locally, we piloted Developing Minds, a transformative program for professionals from youth and young adult-serving organizations to work on building organizational mental health capacity. And we continue to develop more curricula, offer wide-ranging trainings, and expand our services in response to the rising needs of the Jewish community.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a Jewish world where every child belongs Thank you for sharing in our vision. Together, we are building a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community, one where every child and family has access to meaningful Jewish experiences.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Tamar Davis, CEO
Lisa Hills, President
Staff & Board
(As of December 2024)
Staff
SENIOR STAFF:
Tamar Davis, Chief Executive Officer
Tali Cohen Carrus, Senior Director of Programs
Maureen Chapman, Director of Finance & Operations
Brian Coonley, Director of Professional Learning & Consultation
Sharon Goldstein, Director of Day School Programs
Amy Schulman, Director of Development & Communications
YEAR-ROUND STAFF:
Josh Gladstone
Jodi Katz
Noah Horowitz
Elianna Mentzer
Michal Pullman
Rebecca Redner
Ali Shwartz
Rachel Sommer
Joanna Trachtenberg
Leslie Zide
FIELD STAFF:
Marcia Berkowitz
Tara Campbell
Laurie Chorev
Naomi Dreyer
Judy England
Amy Freedman
Jennifer Friedberg
Katelynn Glynn
Caileen Harvey
Rebecca Horton
Noam Kazis-Taylor
Debra Klein
Sivan Kotler-Berkowitz
Rebecca Krane
Judah Levine
Alison Lobron
Board of Trustees
OFFICERS
Lisa Hills, President
Barbara Posnick, Vice President of Finance & Treasurer
Linda Mann Simansky, Vice President of Development
Mike Fishbein, Vice President of Education
Robert Wexler, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Jennifer Slifka Vidal, Vice President of Governance
Cindy Kaplan, Clerk
Michelle Alkon, Past President
Itia Roth, Presidential Appointee
TRUSTEES:
Ilene Beckman
Jordana Bluestein
Alan Breitman
Julie Childers
Coby Coll
Robert Finkel
Ethan Freishtat
Judy Levin-Charns
Marty Oppenheimer
Jamie Perelman
Robbie Singal
Linda Sternberg
Michelle Zisow
Gwen Maginnis
Lynne Mindes
Susan Morrel
Linda Myer
Elana Naftalin-Kelman
Catherine Pavia
Amanda Platner
Alyson Provencher
Rebecca Raub
Claire Roffman
Lauren Ruchelsman
Molly Salant
Jodi Saltzman
Alison Tarnoff
Nancy Williamson
Celebratin Swee
On Sunday, N commemoratin Program. Since
What Does Gateways Mean to You?
Attendees participated in a community art project where they filled colored glass magnets with inspirational words and phrases describing their relationship with Gateways. When placed onto our board, these magnets formed a beautiful tree, reflecting the vibrancy of our community and the many people impacted by Gateways This piece has now become a meaningful permanent art installation in the Gateways office.
Sweet Sounds
Celebrating 100 B’nei Mitzvah
B’nei Mitzvah Fund: Every Child Counts
Established to commemorate over 20 years and 100 graduates of the Gateways B’nei Mitzvah Program, the Gateways B’nei Mitzvah Fund: Every Child Counts supports the expansion of our B’nei Mitzvah Program beyond Boston and assists with costs for pre- and post-b’nei mitzvah learning and engagement programs, ensuring that all children can experience joyful and meaningful b’nei mitzvah, no matter their abilities.
To make a gift to this fund, please visit jgateways.org/giving or contact us at development@jgateways.org.
In honor of the event, this tree artwork was commissioned. It has the names of all 100 of our B’nei Mitzvah students written on its leaves.
Highlighting B’nei Mitzvah Families
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Estelle & Guy Gomolka Michelle & Ronald Herzlinger Carla & Alexis Kopikis Linda & Harold Simansky
Pictured below with their families, clockwise from top left:
Making Our Mark Gateways
in the Press
Finding Freedom at the Head of the Class
BY CAROL STEINBERG FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE,
JULY 4, 2023
An attorney and disability activist shares her empowering experience visiting Jewish day school classrooms as a guest speaker in Gateways’ Shiluv program. For Carol, speaking so candidly with young students about navigating life with a physical disability created some liberating and unforgettable moments
8
Tips for
Talking About Israel With Children With bilities and Mental Health Needs
WISHBOSTON.COM, OCTOBER 12, 2023
from Gateways on talking with children or young adults with neurodevelopmental bilities and mental health needs about the war in Israel The tips lay a groundwork meeting children where they are and remaining present in difficult conversations.
Turning Good Intentions into Tangible Outcomes: ew Path to Jewish Disability Education
EJEWISHPHILANTHROPY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
Gateways’ newest program, Shiluv, engages Jewish day school students and educators in compelling, experiential programming to cultivate an environment of respect and appreciation of learning, physical, and developmental differences and disabilities
More Books on Diversity and Inclusion for Every Age
JEWISHBOSTON.COM, FEBRUARY 29, 2023
An updated list of Gateways-recommended reads for kids ages 0-18 These books engage thoughtfully with themes of diversity and foster the inclusion and acceptance of individuals with disabilities.
The Burnout Battleground: Strengthening Teacher Preparedness in Diverse Classrooms
HAYIDION: THE PRIZMAH JOURNAL, SPRING 2024
Rising teacher burnout in American Jewish schools is driven in part by the demands of supporting neurodiverse classrooms. We lay out our comprehensive model to address this issue through teacher training, structural reforms, and creating inclusive, supportive environments for both educators and students
Financial Information
Expenses
Program Service Expenses
Management & General Expenses
Fundraising Expenses
Total Expenses
Revenues
Tuition & Fees, Net of Assistance Grants, CJP Support & Other Revenue Contributions
*In FY24, funds from the Arlene Remz Bridge to the Future Fund were leveraged to create opportunities for longterm growth and fiscal sustainability for Gateways.
Supporters & Donors
Key Philanthropic Partners
SLIFKA FAMILY DAY SCHOOL INCLUSION INITIATIVE
We extend our sincere gratitude to those listed in this report who have chosen to support Gateways: Access to Jewish Education. This donor report is reflective of gifts made in our 2024 Fiscal Year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024). We have made every effort to recognize our donors correctly. Please excuse any typos and omissions and feel free to direct any corrections or concerns to development@jgateways.org. Thank you for your generosity!
Donors
$25,000 AND ABOVE
Adelson Family Foundation
The Beker Foundation
Combined Jewish Philanthropies
Susan and Leo Breitman
Allyson and Edward DeNoble
The Klarman Family Foundation
Ruderman Family Foundation — Jay and Shira Ruderman
Sharon Ruderman Shapiro
Rosalyn and Richard Slifka
$10,000 - $24,999
Arlene Bernstein
Myra Musicant and Howard Cohen
Leslie and Alan Crane
Sara and Peter Fleiss
Cheri Fox z"l
Brenda and Harvey Freishtat
Joseph and Rae Gann
Charitable Foundation —
Rita and Herbie z”l Gann
Beverly Bavly
Shirley Saunders
Julie and Matthew Gann
Paula and James Gould
Amy Gerson and Louis Grossman
Dara and David Grossman
Marni Smilow Levitt and Jonathan Levitt
Jessica and Chuck Myers
Ruth Nemzoff
Jamie and Shoel Perelman
Lonye and Stephen Rasch
Sidney Redner
Mary Ann McDonough and Lester Shoap
Stephanie and Brian Spector
Arthur Winn
$5,000 - $9,999
The Lassor & Fanny Agoos
Charity Fund
Nancy Kaplan Belsky and Mark Belsky
Jordana and Scott Bluestein
Amy and Joshua Boger
Joyce and Michael Bohnen
Rachel and Larry Chafetz
Louise Goldberg Citron
Lisa and Arieh Coll
Mady and Bruce Donoff
Nora and Joshua Friedman
Zelda and Elkan Gamzu
Risa and Zev Gewurz
Phyllis Hammer
Lisa and Matthew Hills
Rachel Coben and Roger Klein
Wendy and John Pereira
Sandra and Donald Perrin
Itia and Menachem Roth
Ellie and Barry Shrage
Jennifer Slifka Vidal and Luis Vidal
Gayle Slattery and Robert Wexler
Arnee and Walt Winshall
Marla and Jeffrey Wolk
$1,000 - $4,999
Anonymous
Elisa Deener-Agus and Michael Agus
Susan and Aron Ain
Eileen Hagerty and Rabbi Thomas Alpert
Dina Hirshfield-Becker and Ronald Becker
Ruth and David Bernstein
Robert L. and Joan Bramson Foundation, Inc. — Marcia and Roger Spellman
Carol Singer Bricklin and Daniel Bricklin
Sara and Dr. Stephen Brown
Merle and Steven Carrus
Judy Levin-Charns and Martin Charns
Rabbi Laura Abrasley and Julie Childers
Jane Taubenfeld Cohen and David Cohen
Dorit Harverd and Richard Dale
Danielle and Gregg Darish
Suzanne and Steve Erwin
Helene Faneuil
Rena Gray Fein and Robert Fein
Roger Feldman
Rachel and David Fine
Peggy and David Fineman
Sherene Michlin and Robert Finkel
Michelle S. Alkon and Dr. Mark Finkelstein
Renée and Steven Finn
Rebecca and Michael Fishbein
Lisa Rosenbaum and Ronald Fisher
Helen Tager-Flusberg and Martin Flusberg
Tamar Davis and Allan Galper
Rhonda and Steven Glyman
Josette and Louis Goldish
Beth and Lawrence Greenberg
Susan and Frederic Jacobs
Debra and Abram Klein
Rachel and Bryan Koplow
Joshua Kraft
Lori and Frederic Leif
Marcia and Alan Leifer
Stephanie Loranger
Danna and Jeffrey Lorch
Bobbie and Bernie Mann
Susan Rodgin and Warren Manning
Barbara Posnick and Carl Mikkelsen
Deborah Platek and Martin Oppenheimer
Michael Ostroff
Dena and Michael Rashes
Arlene and Sandy Remz
Barbara and Frank Resnek
Lauri Union and Stanley Rosenzweig
Barbara and Andrew Schultz
Barbara and Edward Shapiro
Adina and Ari Shrage
Sharon and Jerome Smith
Susan and James Snider
Schechter Boston
Sharon Stein
Linda Sternberg
Roberta Singal and Jonathan Weintroub
Fiona and Evan Weisman
Cindy Kaplan and Marc Weisskopf
Deanna and Sidney z”l Wolk
Michelle and Matthew Zisow
$500 - $999
Bronte and David Abraham
Sheryl Fox Adler and William Adler
Nancy Kriegel and Andrew Butler
Cynthia and Andrew Cohen
Sherri Ades Falchuk and Kenneth Falchuk
Linda and Michael Frieze
Laurie and Paul Gershkowitz
Barbara Goldstein
Estelle and Guy Gomolka
Abby Sosland and Mark Goodman
Barbara Wallace Grossman and Steven Grossman
Susan and Eric Hailman
Pam and Steve Katz
Amelia and Josh Katzen
Judy and Dr. Mayer Levitt
Jessica and Ron Liebowitz
Stephanie and Yair Listokin
Ellen and Heshy Marcus
Joanne and Eliahu Niewood
Marla and Simon Olsberg
Liat Rosen and Adam Pase
Linda and Kenneth Polivy
Chris and Pito Salas
Ruth Langer and Jonathan Sarna
Amy and Seth Schulman
Danya Handelsman and Jed Shugerman
Debra and Andrew Shure
Jonathan Slavin
Cari Bricklin-Small and David Small
Onir and Jeffrey Spiegel
Jenna Andelman and Gavin Steyn
Nina and Kenneth Stowe
Roselyn Garber and Allan Toledano
UNDER $500
Lisa and Neil Wallack Anonymous
Susan and Andrew Abraham
Dr. Robin F. Abrams
Rebecca Drill and Peter Alpert
Yafa and Eytan Arkin
Risa and Steven Aronson
Deborah Simkin and Sam Aron
Natanya Auerbach
Katherine Gergen Barnett and Mark Barnett
Nicole and Joshua Baumer
Ilene and David Beckman
Barry and Susan Benjamin
Lucy Goodhart and Gordon Bennett
William Bennett
Jennifer and Erik Bittner
Noah Bittner
Julia Greenstein and Paul Bleicher
Aliza Hochman Bloom and Chaim Bloom
Mollyann and Peter Blumenthal
Bryce Diamond and Brian Bokserman
Jill Smilow and Howard Brick
Barbara Lapidas-Brown and Larry Brown
Joan Bruck
Betty Brudnick
Haliana Burhans
Kathy and Lino Covarrubias
Belle Davis
Meira and Rabbi Edward Davis
Nili and Michael Davis
Carole and David Decter
Drs. Suzanne and David Diamond
Robert Dickman
Ruth and Barry Ehrlich
Terri and Sol Eisenberg
Toby and David Ellis
Dena and Gary Elovitz
Annette and Marc Epstein
Beth and Marc Epstein
Joel Erlitz
Karen and David Farbman
Barbara and Robert Fierman
Lisa Alkon and Kenneth Finkelstein z”l
Sharon and David Goldstein
Ruth and Richard Gomolka
Amy and Steven Gortler
Janet and Mark Gottesman
Jacey Gottlieb
Leora Fishman and Roy Gould
Rebecca and Alan Green
Janet Segal and Neal Green
Joyce Zakim and Peter Greenspan
Nancy and Michael Grodin
Sydney and Tal Gross
Elayne and Elliot Grossbard
Rebecca and Benjamin Grossman
Jill Jacobs and Frederic Haber
Carole Slipowitz and Daniel Halbert
Shoshana and Barry Hartman
Sharon and Michael Haselkorn
Organizational Partners
Participating Educational Organizations
Gateways is grateful to our partner day schools, community & congregational schools, preschools & early learning centers, and more for participating in our efforts to ensure that every child and teen is able to access Jewish life and learning
ORGANIZATIONS:
Agudath Israel of New England
American Conference of Cantors
BaMidbar
DEEP Consortium
Hebrew at the Center
The Jewish Braille Institute
Jewish Education Innovation Challenge
Jewish Family Service of Rochester
Jewish Learning Works
Jewish Theological Seminary
Keshet
MA CAPE (Council for American Private Education)
Moishe House - Jamaica Plain
Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools
Rabbinical Assembly
Yeshivat Chovevei Torah
DAY
SCHOOLS:
Bais Yaakov of Boston
Boston's Jewish Community Day School
Epstein Hillel School
Gann Academy
Maimonides School
Mesivta of Boston
MetroWest Jewish Day School
New England Hebrew Academy
The Rashi School
Schechter Boston
Shaloh House
Striar Hebrew Academy of Sharon
Torah Academy
Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael
COMMUNITY & CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOLS:
Beth El Temple Center of Belmont
Boston-Area Jewish Education Program of Waltham
Brookline Chabad
Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills
Congregation Shalom of Chelmsford
Hillel B'nai Torah Religious School of West Roxbury
Kerem Shalom of Concord
LEV Children’s Museum, FL
Ramat Shalom Beth Israel, FL
Temple Aliyah of Needham Religious School
Temple Beth David of Westwood
Temple Beth Elohim of Wellesley Religious School
Temple Beth Torah of Holliston
Temple Emanuel of Newton
Temple Emunah of Lexington
Temple Isaiah of Lexington
Temple Israel of Boston
Temple Ohabei Shalom of Brookline
Temple Shalom of Medford
Temple Sinai of Brookline
Temple Sinai of Sharon
PRESCHOOLS & EARLY LEARNING CENTERS:
Congregation Beth Elohim Early Learning Center, Acton Gan Shelanu, Newton
Jewish Preschool of Lexington
Make an Impact
Gateways relies on the support of our generous community members to continue to offer and expand our innovative programming and to foster meaningful connection to Jewish life and learning for all. Here are some of the ways you can be part of this work
Interested in any of these opportunities? Visit jgateways.org OR email info@jgateways.org.
Spotlighting Our Restricted Funds
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
LEAVE A LEGACY MAKE A MONTHLY GIFT
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE DONATE ONLINE
SPONSOR SWEET SOUNDS
ARLENE REMZ BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE FUND
In celebration of founding Executive Director Arlene Remz, the Bridge to the Future Fund enables Gateways to invest in the full educational ecosystem surrounding the children and teens we serve By building our capacity to develop and disseminate resources for educators and communal leaders, this fund builds a bridge to Arlene’s vision of an inclusive global Jewish community where all learners belong.
B’NEI MITZVAH FUND: EVERY CHILD COUNTS
This fund supports the expansion of our B’nei Mitzvah Program and assists with costs for pre- and post-b’nei mitzvah learning and engagement programs It strives to ensure that all children can experience joyful and meaningful b’nei mitzvah, no matter their abilities See Sweet Sounds pages to learn about our 100th B’nei Mitzvah Celebration!
MARJORIE BREITMAN ROSS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Honoring Marjorie’s commitment to education, the Marjorie Breitman Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial aid for children with disabilities. By helping to remove financial barriers, the fund gives students the opportunity to access Jewish life and learning through Gateways’ specialized Jewish Education Programs
CITRON FAMILY MITZVAH FUND
This charitable fund was established to support Gateways’ Mitzvah Mensches Learning Lab, a social action group for teens with disabilities and diverse learning needs. Participants explore themes of philanthropy and social justice while working in an accessible educational environment They gain and strengthen social skills by working together as they learn about social issues, identify causes to support, and raise money and awareness for those causes.
www.jgateways.org
Make an Impact
Gateways relies on the support of our generous community members to continue to offer and expand our innovative programming and to foster meaningful connection to Jewish life and learning for all. Here are some of the ways you can be part of this work
Interested in any of these opportunities? Visit jgateways.org OR email info@jgateways.org.
Spotlighting Our Restricted Funds
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
LEAVE A LEGACY MAKE A MONTHLY GIFT
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE DONATE ONLINE
SPONSOR SWEET SOUNDS
ARLENE REMZ BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE FUND
In celebration of founding Executive Director Arlene Remz, the Bridge to the Future Fund enables Gateways to invest in the full educational ecosystem surrounding the children and teens we serve By building our capacity to develop and disseminate resources for educators and communal leaders, this fund builds a bridge to Arlene’s vision of an inclusive global Jewish community where all learners belong.
B’NEI MITZVAH FUND: EVERY CHILD COUNTS
This fund supports the expansion of our B’nei Mitzvah Program and assists with costs for pre- and post-b’nei mitzvah learning and engagement programs It strives to ensure that all children can experience joyful and meaningful b’nei mitzvah, no matter their abilities See Sweet Sounds pages to learn about our 100th B’nei Mitzvah Celebration!
MARJORIE BREITMAN ROSS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Honoring Marjorie’s commitment to education, the Marjorie Breitman Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial aid for children with disabilities. By helping to remove financial barriers, the fund gives students the opportunity to access Jewish life and learning through Gateways’ specialized Jewish Education Programs
CITRON FAMILY MITZVAH FUND
This charitable fund was established to support Gateways’ Mitzvah Mensches Learning Lab, a social action group for teens with disabilities and diverse learning needs. Participants explore themes of philanthropy and social justice while working in an accessible educational environment They gain and strengthen social skills by working together as they learn about social issues, identify causes to support, and raise money and awareness for those causes.