Today we’d like to introduce you to Debi Himelfarb.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Debi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After graduating from college with a BA in English and Political Science, my career path was very unclear. Thanks to a friend’s father, I started as an admin at financial institution. It was a great learning experience about corporate culture, but I knew it was not the right place for me. Although I still wasn’t sure where I wanted to be, I knew I wanted to do something that would have an impact.
The dot com bubble was just getting started, so I took some computer science classes, made a few connections, and found a client support position in a supply chain software company. Technology and helping people was a better match.
In late 2003, I accepted a management position at Blackboard. Being part of a company during its early years is really exciting, and with many growth opportunities. Over eight years I rose into various leadership positions and gained experience in Product Development, Consulting, and Client Care.
In early 2012 I heard that a former fellow Blackboard-er, Andrew Rosen and entrepreneur Devin Schain were starting a company, Shalom Learning and looking for a Vice President of Operations. This organization was using education technology to modernize Jewish education. Essentially, they were combining three of my passions: education, technology and enhancing the Jewish community. I couldn’t wait to get started!
It’s now been a little over five years, and I’m now the Chief Operating Officer. I truly enjoy being part of an organization that continues to learn along with our partners and students in how we can effectively engage todays in learning more about their heritage and culture and support educators across the globe in doing so.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Personally there have been some struggles. As I mentioned earlier, it took me over a decade to find my real passions and how they could match with a career.
At ShalomLearning there have been several learning opportunities. The founders were well versed in creating companies; however, that title, “Company” set the wrong tone with many synagogues. Rather than seeing us as trying to partner, they feared we were trying to profit off of their education efforts. In 2014, we applied for 501(c) 3. Now that we are a non-profit, there’s an immediate sense of connection when we speak with synagogues. We start off on the same side of the table – metaphorically speaking.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the ShalomLearning story. Tell us more about the business.
ShalomLearning provides an accessible, engaging, and relevant program for religious schools or community programs for grades 2 through 7. Our program is completely flexible to meet the needs of each community. We offer a curriculum based on Jewish values, as well as three different Hebrew program options. All of our curricula include easily modified lesson plans with activities, discussion questions, a PowerPoint presentation, and resources such as texts, stories, videos, and songs. Our Hebrew programs include activities such as listening, recording, and other games for student to practice online.
The teaching positions at religious schools are often part-time. The educators don’t necessarily have the time to search through videos, Pinterest, and other areas of the web to create a great lesson for class. ShalomLearning has done the work for them. For each grade we have 28 lesson plans designed with technology in mind. Teachers are encouraged to modify or expand them, and share their ideas and experiences with others using the same materials. In our learning management system, teachers are able to access materials and connect with peers throughout the world.
We know that the educators are the keys to our success, so we offer training and support. This month we had three training retreats – one in Florida, on in California, and last week we had one right here in Newton.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Well, I was definitely lucky to land my first job. I was pretty clueless. I feel very fortunate all the time.
It’s amazing to be part of two organizations during their early phases. I also feel as though both of these organizations gave me flexibility when I started my family or needed time to be with my family. Is it lucky that I chose good companies? I am not sure. While I know that my hard work and ability to make connections opened doors for me, I am cognizant that I was fortunate in my starting point.
Pricing:
- Our prices start at $500. We’re aware that each community has different funding abilities, and we have limited scholarships to help those who need.
Contact Info:
- Address: 160 Herrick Rd
Newton Centre, MA 02459 - Website: www.shalomlearning.org
- Phone: 301-660-3800
- Email: debi@shalomlearning.org
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ShalomLearning
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShalomLearning
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