Melissa De Lowe is a treasured teacher, someone who can impart love of Judaism and Hebrew wholeheartedly. She's smart as a whip, thinks fast on her feet, knows who's in charge but only makes it an issue when she has to. She is exceedingly well organized and a pro at keeping the family up to speed on matters related to her work with the student. Hire her. Welcome her. She's a wonder, a delight, a pro.
-Susan and Joy, parents to Evan, 10th grade student of Judaic studies, Hebrew and Bar Mitzvah prep
It is difficult to know where to start when singing the praises of Melissa De Lowe. She is simply one of the best, most effective, patient, and caring teachers I have ever had, in any setting. I came to her knowing not much more than the Aleph Bet, and told her that in a year and a half, I needed to be able to pass a Hebrew proficiency exam at the second-year college level. She created a tailor-made curriculum for me, always moving at my pace, but mindful of my ultimate goals. She puts a great deal of preparation into each session, always arriving with a detailed plan of what we intend to cover, and pulling materials from a number of different sources to create a rich learning experience.
Melissa is an exceedingly warm and patient teacher. She has a terrific sense of humor, and gave me endless encouragement. She balances a rigorous and methodical approach to Hebrew grammar with a relaxed sense of levity; I always leave our sessions having worked hard, but also having had a great time. She loves the Hebrew language, and it is infectious. I truly cannot think of a better introduction to the language than studying with Melissa.
We will be spending the year in Jerusalem next year, and we wanted our daughter, who is almost 7, to be able to read in Hebrew when she got there. Seeing Melissa work her magic with an antsy first grader has been amazing. She is wonderful at both keeping my daughter on-task, and recognizing when it is time to switch things up, by taking turns acting out sentences, playing guessing games, working with puppets, etc. Having been a teacher in religious school, I am astonished at the progress my daughter has made in such a short time. She is learning so much, and really loving it.
Having seen Melissa work so expertly with both an adult and a first grader, it is clear to me that she has a real gift for teaching. Anyone, of any age, would be lucky to work with her.
-Nicole, adult Hebrew student and parent to Cassie, 1st grade Hebrew student
When I first found out that I would be studying with a private Hebrew and Judaic Studies tutor, I'll admit I was a bit skeptical. But as I had more and more lessons, I realized what was really important about these lessons: I am really studying with Melissa. As a pair, in chevruta, we determine the topics I will find the most meaning in and go from there. I already know this program is worthwhile and look forward to what we will accomplish in the future.
-Sarah, 8th grade Hebrew and Jewish text study student
Studying Hebrew too often forces you to choose between a lover of the language and someone with a serious understanding of the most modern teaching methods. With Melissa De Lowe, you don't have to choose. Not only did she help instill my daughter with a love of Hebrew, but also with the confidence to leap into studying with both feet. By the end of 1st grade, she was not only writing stories and chatting in Hebrew, but couldn't wait to further her study!
-Jason, parent to Simone, 1st grade Hebrew student
Learning with Melissa is very inspiring, and she has taught me so much in preparing for my Bar Mitzvah. She is kind and very helpful, especially with preparing my d'var torah speech. She doesn't just tell me what to do, she makes sure that I understand what I am learning. She makes the lessons laid back and relaxed. As long as I get my work done, then we can have a fun time too!
-Alexander, 7th grade Bar Mitzvah student
Our daughter's love for Jewish Studies, Hebrew and what it really means to be a good person in the world, is derived from Melissa's incredible leadership and love of being an educator.
-Julie, parent to Josie, 1st grade student
Melissa brings learning to life!
-Nicole, Head of Day School
With her passionate, inspiring and professional nature combined, Melissa is a born educator in and out of the classroom.
-Lilly, co-day school teacher
I never thought I would meet a kid who loves Hebrew so much. If my son, Sam, is not singing a Hebrew song Melissa taught him, then he is testing me on my vocabulary! We owe this enthusiasm to Melissa.
-Abby, parent to Sam, 4th grade student
Melissa is lovely. I wish my Bat Mitzvah didn't have to come so soon!
-Emily, 7th grade Bat Mitzvah student
Melissa has worked with my daughter for over two years and is a gifted tutor. She is able to modify her teaching style to the way an individual learns, which makes a world of difference when a child is not a "typical" learner. Her warmth and creativity endear her to children, and parents will also appreciate her reliability and straight-forward manner.
-Ellen, parent to Shosh, 6th grade student of Judaic studies and modern Hebrew
Melissa teaches you what you need to learn but has fun at the same time. I had great success on my Bar Mitzvah day and partied hard afterward to celebrate my nearly flawless service!
-Gil, 7th grade Bar Mitzvah student
Melissa is professional and efficient. She was able to keep my son focused and on schedule. He did very well at his Bar Mitzvah, leading almost the whole morning service!
-Regina, parent to Gil, 7th grade Bar Mitzvah student
When Melissa and I get together for tutoring, we always have a lot of fun. We learn Jewish text and Hebrew. In Hebrew, we play a lot of fun games, so instead of just sitting there and reading, we have fun with the material. Our sessions are very interactive and I love tutoring with Melissa.
-Shosh, 6th grade Hebrew and Judaic Studies student
No matter what age she is working with, Melissa knows how to inspire students and provoke deep thinking. She cares deeply about helping her students live a life of Torah values; moral questions are very alive in her lessons, and she constantly helps students make connections between their studies and their lives. Melissa engages her students in a playful way, encouraging them to create and act out and express themselves. Melissa excels at setting high expectations and her students are eager to live up to the challenges she gives them. Melissa is a tireless worker, always prepared and organized, and a reflective educator.
-Jessica, Judaic Studies Day School Coordinator
Melissa's approach to the Hebrew language is artfully customized to meet the needs of the student before her. I came to her with only three months to prepare for my HUC-JIR proficiency exam and came away with a wealth of Hebrew knowledge that far exceeded my initial hopes. Melissa's clear and patient methods helped to uncover my strengths as a Hebrew student in order to challenge and nurture my individual learning style. Not only did I ultimately pass the test, but I was also able to strengthen my spoken skills tremendously. As a result, I began my first year in cantorial school in Israel with unanticipated confidence and I have Melissa to thank!
-Lucy, adult Hebrew student
I have known Melissa for only a year, but it seems as if she has been a part of our family for so much longer. She was referred to us through a nearby temple to help tutor our daughter for her Bat Mitzvah. Melissa and my daughter bonded immediately, and she was able to tune into the style of learning that would be most effective in preparing our daughter for this journey. Melissa has a knack for making the learning process fun and bringing out the very best in her students. I would highly recommend her for any tutoring needs. We are using her again to prepare our son for his Bar Mitzvah, and we also use Melissa for academic tutoring since her style works so well with our kids. Most kids would dread have the tutor come, but my kids look forward to seeing her every time. If that doesn't speak volumes, I don't know what does.
-Dev, parent to Aliah and Eli, B'nei Mitzvah and general studies students