Shapell’s/Darche Noam is proud to announce that the first David Shapell z”l Memorial Married Couples Fellowship has been awarded to Eric and Lindsay Feldman of Chicago. The Feldmans were selected from an impressive group of applicants from Israel, the United States, Canada, England and South Africa. The fellowship will pay for their full tuition, room and half board for the 5777/2016-7 academic year, with Eric studying at Shapell’s/Yeshiva Darche Noam, and Lindsay studying at Midreshet Rachel v’Chaya.
Eric and Lindsay both currently teach in Chicago. Eric teaches in a public school for at risk youth, and Lindsay at Cheder Lubavitch. In their teaching roles, they have been involved in curriculum development. Eric is the only Jewish member of the staff. He proudly wears his kippah and displays the Israeli flag in his classroom, which gives him the opportunity to explain Judaism to questioning students and colleagues. Lindsay has been involved in all facets of her school, focusing on the individual growth of every student, and is passionate about integrating her drama background into her teaching.
Eric is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he majored in science and engineering and served as a dormitory resident advisor. Having been a BBYO chapter advisor in high school, he was active in both Meor and Hillel on campus. Lindsay is a graduate of New York University, where she majored in educational theatre. A USY alumna, she too was active on campus with Hillel, Chabad and Meor.
Having studied at Shapell’s and Midreshet Rachel v’Chaya before their marriage (during which time they distinguished themselves both academically and as student leaders), Eric and Lindsay are excited to return as a married couple. They shared, “We plan to absorb as much Torah learning as possible, and completely immerse ourselves in the environment of yeshiva/seminary. Why? To provide our future family with a grounding in Torah and mitzvot.”
Reacting to the news of receiving the fellowship, Eric said, “We are overwhelmed and deeply grateful to have been chosen for this incredibly generous fellowship. We feel honored to be given the chance to invest in our future in the most profound way imaginable – by studying Torah with the incredible faculty and student body of Shapell’s and Midreshet Rachel. We recognize that with this gift comes great responsibility, and we therefore hope to make the most of our time, each and every day.” Lindsay added, “We look forward to contributing to the Shapell’s/Darche Noam community during our time here, and hope to honor the legacy of David Shapell z”l, by investing in the Jewish continuity, building a foundation for our marriage and family, and enhancing ourselves to play important roles in Jewish society.”
The David Shapell z”l Memorial Married Couples Fellowship was created and funded by alumni to honor the memory of our benefactor, David Shapell. Mr. Shapell (along with his wife Fela, may she live and be well) was particularly proud of the Torah families built by our more than our 4,000 alumni. Shapell’s/Darche Noam is proud of our first Married Couples Fellows, Eric and Lindsay Feldman, whose participation will surely add to the family’s sacred legacy.
