We delight in presenting a rotating brief profile of a different member of the Park East community.
Sarah Rosenbaum
Judaic Studies Teacher, Grades 4-8
What is your proudest accomplishment?
When I came to Park East in 2013, I was an assistant teacher in a third-grade class. It was a challenging year as a new mother and a first-year teacher, but I worked hard and developed great relationships with the students. As eighth graders, the students dedicated the yearbook to me, which was very special. (I should also mention that this year’s yearbook is now available for purchase!)
Park East celebrates Jewish identity and tradition “from generation to generation.” What’s the most important lesson you learned from your parents or grandparents?
My parents taught me “to educate each child according to his own way.” In raising my brothers and me, they understood that each of us had unique needs, and those needs impacted how they interacted with us. This has informed my approach as both a parent and an educator.
My grandparents, three of whom are Holocaust survivors, have inspired me through their determination to survive, work hard, and to give back.
What’s your hidden talent?
I’m a great storyteller, a good swimmer, and I did ballet for many many years.
If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
My name is Sarah, so I would want to include Sarah, the first mother and matriarch. She was the first teacher of Judaism to women. Next, I would include Sara Schenirer; the founder of the Bais Yaakov movement, who played a pivotal role in expanding Jewish education to girls in Poland and Eastern Europe. Both of these women are role models for me as an educator.
My second two guests are role models for their kindness. I am named after Sara Romerovski, my maternal great-grandmother. Her passion for chesed led her to establish a soup kitchen in Portugal that served many refugees from World War II. Last, I’d like to include the matriarch, Rachel, who is considered the mother of the Jewish people and known for her giving nature. I enjoy teaching my fourth graders about her in Chumash.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering Park East for their child?
Both you and your child are going to have a great experience: Your child will be happy, well taken care of, receive an excellent education and develop a strong Jewish identity. You will become part of the family as well.