Judy Landman nee Margaretten contributed to this piece.
Bais Yaakov Class of 1992.
Judy Landman: As an alumna, it was fun walking down memory lane of “old Baltimore” and exciting to hear Mrs. Mintz’s vision for Bais Yaakov, along with her ability to bridge the past and the present for the future.
JL: What is your connection to Baltimore
Mrs. Mindi Mintz: I was born in Baltimore, and we lived here for a few years. My father was learning in Ner Yisroel’s Kollel, and my mother taught in Bais Yaakov. Then we moved to Monsey, where I grew up.
My Baltimore connection is strong. My grandfather was Rabbi Binyomin Steinberg zt”l, the Menahel of Bais Yaakov for many years, and my mother attended Bais Yaakov Baltimore. My mother-in-law was Mrs. Helene Mintz, a”h, the beloved 6th grade Morah, who lived and breathed Bais Yaakov.
JL: You have a rich family history of chinuch – what is your chinuch experience?
Mrs. Mindi Mintz: I grew up in a home that was klal – oriented. My mother ran JEP for many years, and we were involved in and supportive of her myriad initiatives. After marriage, I lived in Eretz Yisrael and taught in seminary. We were fortunate to then spend many years in St. Louis, where I had the privilege of teaching at every grade level, eventually becoming Principal in elementary school. Most recently, I served as Principal in Bais Yaakov Middle School of Toronto and also had the opportunity to give adult classes. I appreciate teaching all ages and stages, yet my passion is certainly high school! That’s just one reason I am excited to join Bais Yaakov, under the leadership of our prestigious Principal, Rabbi Yechezkel Zweig. We are very proud of our students – they are reflective and intelligent, with exemplary middos. Bais Yaakov is gifted with staff members who are role models for our girls, organically giving over the beauty and joy of Yiddishkeit.
JL: How did you switch gears from a smaller school to the bigger one we have here in Baltimore?
Mrs. Mindi Mintz: Chinuch is chinuch wherever you are. The human condition is the same. Everyone wants to be treated with respect and dignity. It’s the implementation that may be different. As Rabbi Zweig likes to say, “we’re not a big school, we’re a tzibur.” This doesn’t detract from our focus on the individual.
In every office that I have occupied, there hangs a special framed document. It is my grandfather’s key principles of chinuch. He penned seven ideas shortly before his petira, bequeathing them to his staff. Rabbi Steinberg called them: Suggestions and Guidelines for Bais Yaakov and Torah Mosdos. In each of my positions, this has been my guide as well. Torah is emes and applies in each and every community no matter the size and differences. (Authors note: As a talmidah of BYB and Rabbi Steinberg, I appreciated seeing this document immensely.)
JL: What is something that guides you strongly as a Mechaneches?
Mrs. Mindi Mintz: My deep belief in the inherent goodness and potential that exists in every single person. Connecting to that goodness is the only way to reach and teach our students and children, and in fact, to exercise any form of influence.
JL: What is something you appreciate about Bais Yaakov of Baltimore?
Mrs. Mindi Mintz: The integrity of the staff and students, the high standards of learning, and the openness to honest conversation and growth. As well, the mesirus nefesh of our hanhalah and staff is unparalleled. I am thankful for the warm, welcoming reception by staff, students and parents!
JL: How do you reach girls who don’t naturally excel in academics?
Mrs. Mindi Mintz: A student doesn’t have to be academically inclined to be inspired. Bais Yaakov offers a rich smorgasbord of co-curricular programming, engaging our students in learning and growth outside the classroom, and enabling them to shine and use their talents. The process is perhaps even more important than the end result, as the girls work together, encounter challenges and discover inner strengths. Whether it’s G.O., Mishmeres, Discovery, Chessed, Gedolei Yisrael, Production, or Exhibit, the opportunities to learn and develop abound!
JL: How does Bais Yaakov support the student who needs help?
Mrs. Mindi Mintz: Our Learning Center and tutoring programs offer robust academic support, collaborating with the teachers and assisting the students. Our Dean of Students, Rabbi Shaul Engelsberg, guidance counselor, and school nurse work closely with the administration, advocating for and overseeing the health of the students. We partner with the parents and engage outside resources when necessary. Our holistic approach nurtures every aspect of a student’s well-being, spiritually, scholastically and emotionally.
JL: What does the Bais Yaakov girl look like to you?
Mrs. Mindi Mintz: My ideal graduate is passionate about her ruchniyus and avodas Hashem; it is real and vibrant to her. She should possess simchas hachayim and a cheishek (desire) for continued learning and growth. She should comport herself with dignity, tznius and self-respect in all circumstances. She is “other focused” and understands that meaningful relationships are built through giving and caring. A girl’s ability to daven and to connect with Hashem through both formal and informal tefillah will IY”H carry her through every stage of life. And it goes without saying – our graduates should conduct themselves with middos tovos and derech eretz – and always be a mentch!
