This week we’re heading to Northfield, Illinois, to talk with Matt Rissien, the Director of Congregational Learning at Temple Jeremiah. Matt oversees "J-Quest," an innovative pre-K through 12th-grade program, and serves as the president of the Chicago Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ChARJE). Now in his fifth year as an ARJE member, Matt shares how the ARJE community has supported his transition into the Reform movement and discusses his current experience in the Executive Master of Arts in Religious Education program at Hebrew Union College (HUC).
How did you get introduced to ARJE?
Growing up in Kansas, I had a diverse Jewish upbringing and attended our community Jewish day school. After moving to Chicago, I worked for several years in a Conservative congregation and was still relatively new to the Reform movement when I began my current role at Temple Jeremiah. I stepped into the role following Dr. Anne Lidsky RJE, an extraordinary Reform educator who led our community for 40 years and modeled the importance of our professional community. Because of her leadership, ARJE was already woven into the fabric of our institution and I am so grateful to now be part of that community myself.
What excites you most about the work you do?
For me, it is all about connection. I’ve always been exposed to enjoying Jewish life through my family, and my biggest goal now is to take that experience and create lasting Jewish moments and impacts for our current students and families.
Editor's Note: Enjoy this throwback video of Matt building connections around the Purim story.
Purim Rap: A Jewish Thrift Shop Parody (Purim Song)
What are your primary responsibilities at Temple Jeremiah?
My main role is overseeing our "J-Quest" program, which serves students from pre-K through 12th grade. I also handle pieces of our adult education, manage the Tikkun Olam aspect of the B'nai Mitzvah process, and help with our young family programming. Additionally, as president of ChARJE, I plan and facilitate monthly meetings and gatherings with our amazing board, providing professional development opportunities which strengthen community connections within our local professional network.
Can you tell us a little more about ChARJE?
Chicago has an incredibly robust Jewish community, and what makes it unique is the collaboration among Reform Jewish educators through ChARJE. Each month, a different congregation hosts 15–20 educators to learn with and from one another. We explore meaningful topics with guest partners, always beginning with food (of course!), followed by a host d’var Torah that grounds our time in Jewish learning.
This year, we added the “ChARJE Educator Story Share,” where one educator shares their Jewish journey. These moments have become an impactful reminder of how interconnected our work is. Around the table, we regularly hear how educators have shaped one another’s paths as mentors and role models. It is very cool to see that multiple educators have had overlap in those who helped guide them to where they are today.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Most of my time lately is spent with my family, going to restaurants and just doing things together. I’m also currently in the EMA program at HUC and will graduate this May, which has been a great way to educate myself in ways that instantly benefitted my work. When I have the time, I also love going to movies and concerts.
How has the EMA program impacted your work?
I was encouraged to pursue the Executive MA (EMA) program through my congregation, and it has been one of the most meaningful professional experiences of my career. Through Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, I spent the past two years learning each Thursday on Zoom alongside a cohort that quickly became close friends and trusted colleagues.
We learned from professors who challenged and expanded my thinking, pushing me to grow not only as an educator, but as a person. Our in-person gatherings in New York and Los Angeles were especially impactful, balancing deep learning, connection, and our fair share of fun memories that will stick with us forever.
Time and again, I brought ideas directly from EMA sessions into our senior staff conversations, influencing real decisions and practice. If you have not yet explored the EMA, I would love to connect. It has had a lasting impact on who I am as an educator, and I am always happy to share more.
What advice would you give to a new ARJE member?
Imposter syndrome is real — and it’s something almost all of us experience. When you’re surrounded by so many talented, long-time educators, it’s easy to wonder if you truly belong. But I’ve found that the more you engage in conversation and take time to reflect on your own journey, the more you realize: you absolutely belong here. Your voice matters, and the work you’re doing is making a meaningful impact.
Who should we profile next? We want to continue highlighting the diverse voices and innovative educators within our community. If you want to nominate an ARJE member to be featured, please let us know here!