Rabbi Elie Kurtz
What subjects do you teach?
Gemara
Why do you "
" Yeshivat Noam?
" Yeshivat Noam?
I love Yeshivat Noam, because it is a very special place where the students know they are cared for and educated in a most positive learning environment.
What do you look forward to each day at work?
I look forward to learning Torah with my precious talmidim and talmidot. There is nothing more special than getting to do that on a daily basis.
Please share your philosophy about children, middle school education, or education in general.
I believe that every student has to feel that their opinion matters. They have to feel comfortable and empowered to succeed. When a teacher creates that culture in their classroom, the students can soar.
Tell us about your family.
I live in Highland Park, NJ with my wonderful wife Elana (who teaches 1st grade in Yeshivat Noam). We have 2 beautiful children. Esther Gitty is 5 years old, and Shmuel is 4. Yeshivat Noam is all about family, and my sister in-law, Mrs. Ricki Kurtz, also teaches in the middle school.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my family, learning Torah, and watching or playing sports.
What aspects about working in the middle school are most exciting for you, explain why.
In the Middle School we are a family. We help each other, and shares our lives with one another. The students are starting to grow and be responsible young adults, and we get to assist them in that most important endeavor.
Describe a positive moment from this year so far that stood out to you.
The girls that I have the honor of teaching again, after having taught them last year, remembered all of the principles that we worked so hard on mastering last year. There is something special in seeing the continued growth and progress of students, and being able to continue with them on their journey.
