Park East Profile: Temima Feldman

We delight in presenting a rotating brief profile of a different member of the Park East community.

Temima Feldman
Head of School

Why Park East?
I first visited Park East several years ago to run a Digital Citizenship Project workshop for parents. I was immediately struck by the warmth the school exuded and the level of professionalism of everyone I met. Even the student artwork on display was breathtaking!

Park East’s commitment to nurture the whole Jewish child aligns with my core beliefs as an educator. I am the granddaughter of two pulpit rabbis and my son is studying to become a rabbi as well, and I am inspired by Rabbi Schneier’s connection with the school.

What is your vision for Park East?
I think we’re at a critical juncture for humanity. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had the opportunity to establish new priorities, spend more quality time with our families and deepen our relationships. Now is the time to recognize the silver linings and lessons we have learned from the pandemic and take them forward. This is an exciting transition. My goal is to continue to elevate the already high quality of education and level of professionalism at the school. We want our students to be good Jews, good people and contributing members of society.

Park East celebrates Jewish identity and tradition “from generation to generation.” What’s the most important lesson you learned from your parents or grandparents?
I am very fortunate to have a close relationship with all four of my grandparents, all of whom played a role in my development and Jewish identity. Both of my grandfathers were pulpit rabbis — one in Israel and one in the US — who came from a long line of pulpit rabbis dating back over 20 generations. They infused in me a love of Judaism, a sense of peacefulness and clarity around how I want to live my life.

What is your educational philosophy?
Happy children learn best. First and foremost, students and children are people. We really have to identify each child’s unique strengths in and out of the classroom and build them up as people first, while providing the best education possible. Their younger years are a critical time: this is the one chance we get to educate them and help shape the adults they will become.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is my family. Raising children is a team effort and I appreciate all of the villages that have helped me along the way. My proudest professional accomplishment is that I went back to school for my master’s degree with five small children. It is important to me to be a role model, both for a community of learners and for my own children.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
I’m looking forward to meeting the team, working collaboratively with administrators, faculty and staff, and of course, meeting the students and their families.

What are your hobbies?
I love to bike; I live near the boardwalk and I try to bike 12 miles per day. Reading is also my guilty pleasure!