Our Head of School

Mrs. Esther Eisenman

Mrs. Eisenman has been an educational leader for the past 22 years, serving first as Judaics Principal of Beth Tfiloh High School in Baltimore, then at Menahelet of Midreshet Shalhevet in the Five Towns for ten years. Most recently, Mrs. Eisenman served as Principal of the Middle School and High School at Bruriah in Elizabeth.

Mrs. Eisenman earned her BA in English Literature from Stern College for Women and her law degree from NYU School of Law. Following a successful 13-year career in law, she obtained an MA in Judaic Studies, with an emphasis on medieval Jewish philosophy, and an MS in Educational Administration, both from Baltimore Hebrew University. She is currently working toward her EdD in Jewish Educational Leadership and Innovation at Azrieli Graduate School of Education.

Dear NEJA Families,

As the Head of School at the New England Jewish Academy, I feel both privileged and honored to have the opportunity to inspire, mentor, teach, and guide young people through one of the most important and formative stages of their lives. It is a sacred partnership we share with you, our parents, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us as we pursue this incredibly meaningful mission together.

At NEJA, we believe that every child is unique and walks their own individual path toward becoming a thriving, engaged, and vital member of our Jewish community. Our mission is rooted in delivering academic excellence, nurturing social-emotional well-being, and fostering Jewish learning, identity-building, and spiritual development.

We are entrusted with the awesome responsibility of shaping and nurturing young people into well-rounded, balanced, knowledgeable, and confident individuals—students who are prepared not only for academic success but for a life of purpose, integrity, and commitment to Klal Yisrael and the world beyond our walls.

My guiding philosophy as Head of School is simple but profound: I want our students to be happy. While happiness may not appear on a test or in a paper, it is the foundation upon which meaningful learning and growth are built. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to ignite intellectual curiosity, challenge students to think critically and independently, and motivate a lifelong love of learning.

NEJA is a place where students are encouraged to find personal religious meaning and spiritual fulfillment. Through both formal and informal educational experiences, we aim to inspire a deep and lasting commitment to Judaism and Medinat Yisrael. We foster a joyful, vibrant environment where our students flourish—academically, socially, and spiritually.

I look forward to an exciting year ahead and to all the incredible moments of learning, growth, and joy we will share.

Warmly,
Esther Eisenman
Head of School
New England Jewish Academy