The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago last month honored Matt Rissien with the LEAD award in recognition of his leadership, dedication and commitment to the Chicagoland Jewish community. Lead stands for Leader, Educator, Advisor, Dugma (example).
Rissien, a 2011 graduate of the University of Kansas and a graduate of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, serves as director of youth activities at Congregation Beth Shalom, a Conservative congregation in Northbrook, Illinois. The day before he received the LEAD award, the congregation’s USY chapter was awarded CHUSY Chapter of the Year. CHUSY is the Chicago-based region of USY and includes local chapters from Chicago as well as Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana.
A few days after the LEAD award presentation, Rissien received a congratulatory letter from Illinois State Rep. Carol Sente.
“I understand that this prestigious honor is given to one outstanding adult who goes above and beyond in their role in educating and caring for Jewish teens,” Sente wrote. “… you are in a unique position to encourage, teach and exemplify the values that make a strong Jewish community. That you were nominated by the teen members of your own USY chapter speaks volumes about the respect and gratitude they have for you.”
In a Facebook post, Rissien wrote that the two awards were “incredibly rewarding and humbling.”
“These awards are the culmination of lots of hard work with lots of really great people. I’m so proud, thankful and lucky to have worked with all of my amazing teen leaders over the years, and so thankful for the Jewish community of teen professionals in Chicago.”
Rissien, who was president of the Kansas City Council BBYO his senior year in high school, believes youth groups “really do make a difference in teen’s lives.”
“I’m so grateful that Congregation Beth Shalom has given me the platform to work with our amazing teens, and hopefully make a difference in their lives. I know they have made a difference in mine.”
He grew up at Kehilath Israel Synagogue where his parents, Shelley and Aaron Rissien, continue to be active congregants.
