Israeli Jazz, Daily page of Talmud, Pickleball
Catriella Freedman
Founding Director And Educator
Zichron Ya'akov
Summary
Innovative leader in Jewish education, program development, and community-building. Experienced in curriculum design, author stewardship, and leadership training. Passionate about fostering inclusive and engaging learning experiences. Fluent in English and Hebrew.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Director
Tanu
03.2025 - Current
- Customized course and workshop development that make Jewish texts and ideas accessible to diverse audiences from around the world.
- Bringing the best educators to engage adult learners.
- Our recent launch has led to 200+ signups, 2 in-person course openings, and 2 planned US courses.
- Aim to enhance student experience with introduction of user-friendly online platform.
- Aim to establish a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
Instructor & Course Designer
Matan Women’s Learning Institute
01.2021 - 03.2025
- Meet the Sages: a three-year course that uses Ethics of Our Fathers (Pirkei Avot) as a prism to understand the historical context, philosophy, and theology of Jews and Jewish sages during the Second Temple
- Developed a 6 week course on the great sage Rabbi Akiva and his relationship to the Bar Kochba Revolt
- Developed workshops on the thought of Maimonides, Hillel vs. Shammai, and key women in the Talmud
Director, Author Stewardship
PJ Library, Harold Grinspoon Foundation
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Expanded the network of Jewish authors and publishers, growing Jewish children’s literature.
- Designed and led Jewish-themed writing workshops and retreats for authors.
- Organized, designed, and led three immersive 9-day Israel author experiences.
- Established an ADL partnership addressing antisemitism in the publishing industry.
- Developed a high-performing team by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Improved author communication and development efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Founding Director
PJ Our Way, Harold Grinspoon Foundation
01.2012 - 01.2024
- Founded and scaled the program from 0 to 40,000+ subscribers, distributing over 20,000 books monthly
- Managed a multi-million-dollar annual budget and set strategic growth objectives
- Expanded the Jewish middle-grade book market by investing in authors and bringing over 60 authors to Israel
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation within the program, empowering staff to take ownership of their work and achieve success.
Program & Curriculum Developer
Beit Hatfutsot (ANU), International School of Jewish Peoplehood Studies
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Wrote the curriculum for My Family Story, a global Jewish genealogy program
- Created a cross-cultural pairing program linking international students with Israeli 7th graders
- Designed educator and student seminars integrating museum experiences with Jewish identity exploration
Curriculum Writer
Melton Centre for Jewish Education, Hebrew University
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Authored course materials and teacher guides for Foundations of Jewish Family Living
- Conducted thorough research on educational trends, incorporating innovative teaching and formatting techniques into the curriculum development.
- Developed customized lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
Judaic Studies Principal
Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Restructured and enhanced the Judaic Studies curriculum
- Established a lasting Israel experience for 8th-grade students
- Served as liaison to trustees and parents to align educational goals with community needs
- Collaborated with the Parent-Teacher Association to address parent concerns and foster a supportive community for student success.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching and learning that improved student engagement and achievement levels.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
Education
MA - Jewish Studies
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 09.2024 - 06.1997
Certificate - Jewish Studies
Drisha Institute
New York, NY 09.1993 - 08.1994
BA - Philosophy of Religion
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ 09.1988 - 06.1993
Certificate - Jewish Studies
Midreshet Lindenbaum
Jerusalem, Israel 09.1990 - 08.1991
Skills
- Program design and leadership
- Curriculum development
- Jewish education and Israel studies
- Strategic thinking
- Team engagement
- Entrepreneurial and innovative
- Mentoring and training
- Project management
Publications
- Kid Tested, Committee Approved
- Engaging Tweens on Their Own Terms
- Where Are the Jewish Middle-Grade Books?
- Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz: The Familiar Voice
- 110 years before this tragedy, my great-grandfather died at Mt. Meron
Interests
Timeline
Founder & Director
Tanu
03.2025 - Current
MA - Jewish Studies
Harvard University
09.2024 - 06.1997
Instructor & Course Designer
Matan Women’s Learning Institute
01.2021 - 03.2025
Director, Author Stewardship
PJ Library, Harold Grinspoon Foundation
01.2021 - 01.2024
Founding Director
PJ Our Way, Harold Grinspoon Foundation
01.2012 - 01.2024
Program & Curriculum Developer
Beit Hatfutsot (ANU), International School of Jewish Peoplehood Studies
01.2010 - 01.2012
Curriculum Writer
Melton Centre for Jewish Education, Hebrew University
01.2008 - 01.2010
Judaic Studies Principal
Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy
01.2005 - 01.2007
Certificate - Jewish Studies
Drisha Institute
09.1993 - 08.1994
Certificate - Jewish Studies
Midreshet Lindenbaum
09.1990 - 08.1991
BA - Philosophy of Religion
Princeton University
09.1988 - 06.1993
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