NILI ISENBERG

Middle school Judaic studies teacher Mrs. Nili Isenberg of Pressman Academy brings her deep knowledge of history, culture and heritage to her scholars every day. Outside of her engaging classroom, Mrs. Isenberg’s leadership in Judaic studies department meetings; contributions to building rich, schoolwide Judaic studies curriculum; creation and spearheading of the FestiNaKH and Moot Beit Din programs; and mentorship to new teachers have made her a mainstay at Pressman.

Mrs. Isenberg’s seventh grade Mishna class learns about Jewish law (halachot) relating to major life cycle events like sitting shiva, the laws of marriage, and the rules of a bris. She brings in guest speakers of diverse backgrounds, personal experiences and traditions to show students the many facets of Jewish observance. Mrs. Isenberg’s meaningful unit on the Shoah immerses eighth graders in field trips, Holocaust survivor stories, and a Yom HaShoah Tekes (ceremony) they produce for third through seventh graders. She also leads students in planting daffodils through The Daffodil Project, which aspires to build a worldwide living memorial for the children lost during the Holocaust.