How We Got Here with Leah-Pearl Shollar

What’s the story behind the schools that shaped generations of frum girls—and what does that story mean for us today?

In this illuminating episode, we sit down with scholar and educator Leah-Perl Shollar to explore the history and evolution of Orthodox girls’ education. Drawing from her extensive doctoral research, Leah-Perl takes us on a journey through the origins of formal Jewish schooling for girls in Eastern Europe, long before Sara Schenirer stepped onto the scene.

We discuss what led Leah-Perl to this topic, how her own educational experiences shaped her questions, and why this history matters now more than ever. Together, we unpack the unique mission and legacy of Sara Schenirer's Bais Yaakov movement, why it succeeded where earlier efforts fell short, and how differing visions of its goals have shaped the way Bais Yaakov is remembered—and lived—today.

We also dive into the lesser-known story of Achos HaTemimim in Latvia, a bold and original approach to women’s Torah learning that offers powerful insights for today’s educators and learners alike.

From questions of secular education to the development of Torah curricula, Leah-Perl shares reflections on where we’ve succeeded, where we’ve adapted, and where there’s still room to grow. Whether you’re a student, teacher, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode offers a deeper understanding of how we got here—and what kind of future we might envision for the next generation of frum women.

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Leah-Perl Shollar is a doctoral candidate at the Azrieli Graduate School of Education (Yeshiva University) and has an M.S. Education; she attended seminaries in Israel and Brooklyn. Shollar has over 30 years of experience as an educator with students from preschool to adults; currently, she teaches Chumash and Jewish history in Yeshiva Girls' High School. Prior to joining Yeshiva’s administration, Shollar worked at the Jewish Learning Institute as an instructional designer and curriculum specialist in partnership with Touro College, and published award-winning books for children, as well as works for adults. In her capacity as principal, Shollar oversees all aspects of the student learning experience, paying particular attention to the scholastic and hashkafic requirements of their curriculum, as well as the individual needs of each student.