Interview with Be’er Hagolah’s New Younger Division Hebrew Principal, Mrs. Shifra Grossman / Kreitman

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In our last issue Be’er Hagolah announced that they are adding another qualified staff member to their already exemplary staff. Mrs. Shifra Kreitman will be joining as the Hebrew Principal of the Younger Division.

There was an uncertain excitement in the community, unsure if Mrs. Kreitman is the same former beloved teacher Miss Grossman who taught in BHI many years and had left after her marriage.

We reached out to Mrs. Grossman / Kreitman to verify if she is that same teacher that was adored by parents and students alike and to hear more about her new position.

Mrs. Kreitman, this is really exciting – is it true you are returning to Be’er Hagolah?

I am truly humbled and honored that our esteemed Rabbi German, has asked me to return and lead the younger division in the Judaic Division.  Walking through the hallways these last few weeks, seeing the students’ warmth and excitement upon hearing I am coming back, is truly heartwarming, it feels like I am coming back home.

Tell us something about your experience here at BHI and how it will help you in the future?

As a teacher in BHI for more than 20 years, I was privileged to touch the lives of many students.  My students remain cherished until today - they update me regularly on where they are up to in their life, when they get married, etc.  Meeting them in the street or at a function, it is hard for me to believe the changes that I see in them -  it is simply amazing!  My students have really done a tremendous job of growing into proper adults and I am truly proud to have been involved in getting them to that point.

Coming back as the Principal of the Judaic Studies, well, the truth is, that it is a huge responsibility, however I am very excited – I am sure that I can help Rabbi German infuse the children with the same love and warmth that his esteemed parents - Rabbi and Rebbetzin as we called them – showered them with, which is what really made Be’er Hagolah the successful institution that it is today.

Mrs. Kreitman, you mention the younger division, what specifically will you be heading?

In my meetings with Rabbi German, prior to my accepting this position, Rabbi German stressed the fact that the school was growing and the need to ensure that we maintain a professional staff.  As the leader of BHI, Rabbi German’s goal is to ensure that every child receive the best possible education.  This led to his resolve to make sure that each division receive proper guidance.

Simply, what this meant was, let’s give the younger grades their own Judaic Studies division head.  This will enable the principals of the upper grades the opportunity to focus more on their students.

After much thought and discussion it was decided that I will be supervising the younger division, which includes the kindergarten through third grade, and also fourth and fifth grade girls. Boys in fourth grade start learning mishnayos therefore they require a rebbe.  They will still be supervised by Rabbi Fishman.

What makes you qualified for this position?

I hold a Masters in education with a specialty in Special Ed, I am a BCBA – Board Certified Behavior Analysist, and a LBA – licensed behavior analysist in the state of New York.

The truth is that my entire career at BHI, I was involved in the younger division. I taught 2^nd and 3^rd grade, I did P3 with grades 2 through 6. These formative years were my passion. I felt that I was able to help mold these children into responsible young adults.

Those credentials are very impressive and certainly qualify you for that position.  So Mrs. Kreitman, you are an educated woman with many years of experience, you could have taken a position in any well established, professional educational institution.  What made you decide to take this position above all else?

I am slightly offended by this question.  I want you to understand, Be’er Hagolah is a well established, professional educational institution!  As a teacher I have seen the high caliber education that was promoted.  I have witnessed first hand the high standard and level that Be’er Hagolah has maintained in the quality of the teachers they hire and in the expectations of the education they administer.  I chose Be’er Hagolah – because it IS an institution that is above all else!

Wow, okay, so that being said, what changes do you think you will bring to Be’er Hagolah?

My plan going forward is to build upon what already exists in BHI, making sure the warmth is shared with each and every child, ensuring that they have the best possible education, researching and implementing any new teaching methods that are being suggested.

Where will you get these ideas?

I am not sure if you are aware, but my degrees require that I constantly take CEU’s – continuing education credits. This enables me to be updated in the most current methodology, which I will do my best to use to the school’s advantage.

I can’t tell you today exactly what will change, it will take time for me to first review and then work to further enhance all the great programs that have been the hallmark of BHI.