The Bread Breakers
Explore, Learn, Connect
Our Vision
The Bread Breakers seek to celebrate differences and reduce prejudice through creating a thoughtful and reflective community.
Our Mission
The Bread-Breakers’ mission is to create an inclusive community centered around education, celebration, and service.
Our journey started in a humble dormitory.
![Founder Matt Segil is smiling at the camera in a professional style headshot. His hair is short, he has a slight mustache and beard. He is wearing a blue dress shirt and black sweater.](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/65006397b9af86bc33f3f021_Matt%20Segil%20Headshot.jpg)
Hi! My name's Matt Segil
After years of leadership in the Jewish community, I began to host spiritual gatherings with a group of close friends. For close to a decade I have been bringing people together to discuss meaningful topics, celebrate difference, and enjoy delicious foods.
![A college aged Matt Segil takes a silly selfie with a group of people in a dorm room kitchen. They are in the process of making food.](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/6500ce0efee165ef89757dc0_IMG_1343.jpg)
The First Shabbat
Midway through my freshman year at the University of Vermont (UVM), I received funding from UVM Hillel to host a Shabbat dinner in my dormitory. We put together a meal in the communal kitchen before a whirlwind night of eating and schmoozing.
![A group of interfaith student leaders from UVM are gathered for a picture on the balcony of Waterman Hall. Lake Champlain and Burlington, Vermont are behind them. It looks to be early springtime.](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/6500ce2e0df371b50726a827_2.jpg)
Interfaith Student Coalition
In my junior year at UVM, I formed the Interfaith Student Coalition
alongside three friends . We hosted weekly lunch meetings and ran
a series of five community dialogues reaching over 200 people.
![](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/6509bada27723cff0cff50ef_with%20colleagues.jpeg)
Shabbat with Colleagues
In my second year of teaching, I welcomed coworkers to my home to celebrate Shabbat and learn about Jewish traditions. After eating, we spent time discussing our backgrounds and thoughts on some of life's big questions.
![At least five people are gathered in the living room, two of whom are playing acoustic guitars while the others sing.](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/6500cef5e6065501494917cd_IMG_1111.jpg)
Leadership Grant
When I moved to Boston I applied for, and received, a leadership grant
from Interfaith America. With the financial and professional support of
a major institution, I began hosting programming on a monthly basis.
![A group of seven break breakers is having what looks like a casual but thoughtful conversation on the couch.](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/6500cf511ed18d6c0718d4fb_IMG_4622.jpg)
The Bread Breakers
In January of 2023, the Bread Breakers name was officially adopted. From the biblical roots of breaking bread to the metaphorical significance of fellowship, our community continues to gather, learn, and celebrate each month.
We take care of the dinners
The community takes care of itself
![The living room is packed with many bread breakers smiling. Most of them have plates of food. One guy in the foreground is making a silly casual peace sign.](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/64553cfec83e01d001ef864e_IMG_0743.jpg)
Want to Join for Dinner?
The Bread Breakers Community welcomes a wide variety of folks to our events. Some events are open to the public while others focus on community memebrs.
![A group of break breakers are socializing out on the grass of a soccer field under the field lights. It's summer and it looks like they're having a fun time.](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/64553cfef64edae255205b0d_IMG_6382.jpg)
Intersted in a Collaboration?
Are you interested in getting involeved with the Bread Breakers? Reach out to discuss opportunities to work together towards common goals!
![Several bread breakers are sitting on the floor discussing source sheets. One is stroking their chin in a contemplative sort of way.](https://assets-global.website-files.com/6419f42b5410109529261bd3/6519eba2b569f9cf4f82ad4d_DSC_7030.jpg)
Share an Interfaith Resource
We are in constant search of community resources to improve our knowledge of other perspectives. Material that promotes education and understanding is welcome for review.