Matthew Fieldman
Executive Director of Rekindle

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Matt Fieldman for the Z3 Award for Bridge Building Across Communities. Matt's impactful work as the Executive Director of Rekindle exemplifies his deep commitment to fostering unity and understanding, not only between the Black and Jewish communities, but also between Jews of all backgrounds. His leadership and innovative approach have not only bridged historical divides but have also laid a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration and mutual support.

Under Matt’s direction, Rekindle has established itself as a pioneering force in intercultural relations, launching chapters in 13 cities across the United States with plans to expand to fifty chapters in the coming years. Central to Matt’s approach is the Rekindle Fellowship, a program designed to bring together diverse cohorts of Black and Jewish adults for meaningful discussions and joint action projects. This fellowship undertakes challenging conversations around themes such as race, privilege, power, religion, and the Israel/Palestine conflict, encouraging a deep and empathetic understanding among participants.

Matt’s dedication to integrating Jewish wisdom and values into these efforts is particularly noteworthy. The Fellowship’s curriculum includes text-based discussions that draw on Jewish teachings such as tikkun olam (repairing the world) and b’tzelem Elohim (every person is made in the image of God). These principles are not only discussed but also applied in real-world contexts through the Rekindle Action Projects. These projects span critical social areas such as criminal justice reform, literacy programs in underserved neighborhoods, and community revitalization, demonstrating the tangible impact of the fellowship’s dialogues.

One of the standout initiatives led by Matt is the “Curious Conversation,” which have become a hallmark of the program. These events foster personal connections and constructive dialogues among community members, breaking down barriers and building lasting relationships. For example, discussions on Israel-Palestine have included Jews across the Jewish spectrum (from Orthodox community members with family fighting in the IDF, to avowed critics of Israel) in conversation with Black Fellows from across their spectrum (evangelical pro-Israel preachers to campus protesters). Additionally, Matt's successful organization of social events like the "Christma-Chanu-Kwanzakah" party showcases his innovative approach to celebrating diversity and unity.

Despite challenges, such as the reliance on philanthropic funding, Matt has implemented strategic solutions to ensure financial sustainability and growth. His introduction of matching grants that subsidize new Rekindle Chapters getting off the ground has been pivotal in helping these new chapters launch and thrive, further testament to his strategic acumen and dedication to the cause.
Matt Fieldman's tireless efforts and visionary leadership in bridging divides within and beyond the Jewish community make him a deserving recipient of this award. During this divisive and polarizing time, his work not only fosters unity and understanding but also sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at building cohesive and empathetic communities.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Matt Fieldman has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to bridging divides through his strategic vision and direct engagement in community-building activities. Remember, Rekindle is NOT his full-time job! Rather, Matt balances this with his work for the US Department of Commerce, being a good father to three kids, and other community involvement in Cleveland.

Matt’s approach is characterized by hands-on leadership and a personal dedication to the mission, seen in the way he fosters one-on-one relationships among program participants. Matt's ability to inspire and mobilize diverse groups toward common goals is evident in the substantial waiting lists and growing popular demand for Rekindle's programs, particularly in Cleveland where nearly 300 people are eager to join. The Rekindle Board is comprised of 16 past Fellows, equally representing both communities – again, showing Matt’s dedication to equity and inclusion of all.

Another area of bridge-building is in Rekindle’s strategic recruitment of Fellows for each cohort. By intentionally selecting participants from diverse religious, political, gender identities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, Matt ensures that the program reflects a wide spectrum of experiences and perspectives. The Jews range from totally unengaged to Modern Orthodox; the Black folks represent the vast diversity of that community: Nigerian, Caribbean, low income, high income, and more. This deliberate diversity is crucial in demonstrating that neither the Black nor Jewish communities are monolithic, helping to break down stereotypes and foster a richer, more inclusive dialogue. Each Fellow's unique background contributes to the collective learning and growth, making the discussions more robust and the collective action projects more comprehensive and effective. Matt's focus on creating these diverse cohorts underscores his deep commitment to genuine intercultural understanding and collaboration, setting a strong foundation for sustained bridge-building and unity.

Matt has also demonstrated a keen ability to navigate and address complex social issues through targeted educational programs. He has expanded Rekindle's curriculum to include nuanced discussions on anti-Semitism and its intersections with other forms of prejudice, ensuring that the program remains relevant and responsive to current societal dynamics. His emphasis on integrating Jewish ethical teachings into practical community action illustrates his commitment to both education and tangible outcomes.
Through these initiatives, Matt has not only bridged historical and cultural divides but has also created a scalable model for intercultural understanding and cooperation, reflecting his unwavering dedication and innovative leadership in this vital area of social justice.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Matt Fieldman's work with Rekindle has profoundly impacted the American Jewish community and beyond by sending a powerful message about the pivotal role Jews can play in the sphere of racial justice. Our meaningful past involvement with racial justice – from Julius Rosenwald to Chaney and Schwerner to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and more – doesn’t need to be relegated only to history! Matt’s initiative starting Rekindle from just an idea and a group of friends demonstrates that Jews are not only participants but leaders in advocating for social equity and community solidarity. By creating platforms where Jewish values and teachings are integral to discussions on race and justice, he has demonstrated that Jewish community involvement can drive significant social change.
Matt's ability to unify the Jewish community around these critical topics has been particularly transformative. Through the Rekindle Fellowship, he has brought together participants from varying backgrounds, encouraging them to address shared challenges and collaborate on community projects. This unity is a testament to how the Jewish community can come together to bridge divides and foster mutual respect and understanding through civil dialogue. Additionally, Matt has partnered with a range of organizations – Federation JCRCs, local ADL Chapters, local AJC chapters, and more! – showing that the Jewish “alphabet soup” of organizations can and should work together in this area.

Furthermore, Matt's efforts have achieved remarkable scalability. As of now, Rekindle has successfully expanded to 13 cities nationally, with plans to launch four more chapters in Spring 2025. This geographic growth underscores the replicable and impactful nature of his work, spreading the message of unity and social justice far and wide. Through his innovative leadership, Matt Fieldman has not only impacted individual participants but has also set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue and collaboration across communities.