Rooted In Values, Growing Together
For Temima Feldman, education is more than a career—it’s a legacy. Inspired by her grandparents, Rav Solomon Shapiro and Rabbi Kowalsky, who devoted their lives to Torah and Jewish education, Feldman brings passion, purpose, and deep personal connection to her role as Associate Principal of HAFTR Lower School. “When I moved to this community, I already knew of HAFTR’s outstanding reputation,” she says. “I admired its commitment to excellence and couldn’t wait to join a team that so deeply values children, community, and Torah.”
That commitment to community is a recurring theme in Feldman’s approach to leadership. Living and working in the Five Towns/Rockaway area, she experiences firsthand the synergy between school and home.
“It’s more than being part of a school—it’s being part of something greater,” Feldman shares. “The partnership between parents, faculty, and students is real and incredibly powerful.”
At the core of her philosophy is the belief that academic rigor must be built on a foundation of heart. “We see each child as a whole person. Every student receives the challenge and support they need to grow in a way that’s meaningful for them,” she explains. “That level of difficulty looks different for each child, and that’s by design.” From developing empathy and self-awareness to learning how to make responsible decisions, Feldman is proud of the social-emotional growth students experience during their time in the Lower School. “Watching a student mature into someone who supports others and reflects Jewish values—that’s true success.”
HAFTR’s commitment to Jewish life is also personal for Feldman, who was born in Israel. “I’m especially moved by the way HAFTR infuses its love for Israel—its land, people, and culture—into the daily fabric of school life. We don’t just teach Torah—we live it.”
Whether through enhanced enrichment offerings like national math competitions and chess teams, or student-driven learning programs like Multiple Intelligences time, Feldman is most excited about HAFTR’s responsiveness to student strengths and interests. “It’s a school that says yes to potential,” she says. But for Feldman, it’s not just about programming—it’s also about people. “Our admin team is a true chevrah,” she notes. “We support one another, think collaboratively, and celebrate together. That camaraderie strengthens our leadership and builds a unified school culture.”
When asked to describe HAFTR in one word, Feldman doesn’t hesitate: “Community. From HAFTR Day to Family Learning Nights to Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the school creates meaningful moments of connection. That’s what makes HAFTR so special.” As the new school year unfolds, Feldman offers a heartfelt invitation: “Get involved! HAFTR is more than a school—it’s a place where children thrive, families connect, and Torah values come to life.”
Mrs. Temima Feldman has served as associate principal of HAFTR Lower School for the past three years. Born in Israel, raised in NY, Mrs. Feldman brings a deep commitment to Jewish values, educational excellence, and building a connected and compassionate school community. Her passion for education begins at home, raising her five children, and now grandchildren, and extends to the school community at large. Her leadership is thoughtful, student-centered, and filled with heart. n
