Lina Feuerstein
With her students describing her as “a ray of sunshine” and her colleagues describing her as a “gentle, compassionate soul,” Religion Instructor Lina Feuerstein has already become well known to students and faculty alike for her radiant smile, warm sincerity and attentive demeanor in two short months at the Academy.
Feuerstein returned to Exeter this year after serving as a sabbatical replacement in the winter of 2017. Many may recall the loud gasps and animated chatter that erupted among students who remember her from last year when she was introduced as a new faculty member at the Opening of School Assembly this fall.
“She was only here for a term, but we got so close to her because she was always so open and welcoming,” said senior Abby Zhang, who has fond memories of late nights and personal conversations shared with Feuerstein in Wheelwright Hall last winter. “When she left, a bunch of us gathered in the Wheelwright parking lot and saw her off. She was such a comforting presence in the dorm that it wasn’t the same without her afterwards, and that’s why we were all so excited when we saw her back.”
Originally from Chicago, Feuerstein found her way to Exeter on “a winding path,” as it took her several years to discover a passion in religion studies and pursue a career in education. Feuerstein had her sights set on engineering during her high school years, and it wasn’t until she took a class on medieval history at Carleton College that she redirected her focus. “We studied all about medieval spirituality and asceticism, and I just loved it, though I wasn't sure why,” Feuerstein said. “Something about the idea of transforming yourself through rituals and practices and trying to reach a higher sense of self or moral value really appealed to me.”
Feuerstein went on to earn her Masters in Science and Education (MSED) at the University of Pennsylvania before attending Harvard Divinity School, where she earned her Masters in Theological Studies (MTS). In the years between and after, Feuerstein “broadened her horizons” by traveling across the globe, teaching in places like China, Italy, Spain and Israel.
One of Feuerstein’s most memorable experiences abroad was her time as a university teaching assistant in Rome, a city at the heart of hundreds of years of history. Visiting old churches, catacombs and mosaics allowed Feuerstein to deepen her reflections on “the boundaries between life and death and immortality and rebirth, why it is that we have rituals around those ideas and experiences…and how architecture and spaces form and represent those same ideas.”
Feuerstein, who has a background in the classics, attributes her fascination with ancient languages, beliefs and customs to the richness of ancient philosophy. “I’ve always felt a deep affinity with ancient and medieval spirituality. I think it's because in ancient life, philosophy was about being a good person…how you brought your heart to your action,” Feuerstein said. “In modernity, that’s changed a lot as philosophy became something of a thought exercise. That's not really what philosophy is for, in my opinion. There's some sort of resonance in ancient and medieval philosophy that seems to be missing in modernity in some way.”
In two short months, Feuerstein has rediscovered home at Exeter. She bears great regard and gratitude for her colleagues and students, whom she describes as “super engaging 24/7.” “This place has definitely given me a family in a way that I haven't really experienced before.”
All those who know Feuerstein, whether as a faculty resident in Moulton House, a member of the Exeter Jewish Community (EJC) or a co-coach of the JV girls’ soccer team, reciprocate these same feelings of respect and appreciation.
Lower Audrey Yin, who is taking Feuerstein’s Religion and Popular Culture class this term, expressed gratitude for Feuerstein’s unfailingly “kind and genuine” demeanor. “She gives our discussions the validation it needs. She encourages students to share their honest opinions and be brave,” Yin said. “It’s nice to be able to feel so safe in a classroom.”
Feuerstein, who describes herself as “an athletically-oriented person,” recognizes soccer as an integral part of her life. In fact, Feuerstein played on the Carleton College varsity women’s soccer team, which won the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and advanced to the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Division. At Exeter, Feuerstein has channeled her love of soccer to her role as JV Girls’ Soccer coach.
Upper Alison Lennie, a member of the team, described Feuerstein as a “positive presence,” adding that “she always smiles. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her not smiling. She’s really encouraging [and] always stays composed…she is big on giving constructive feedback, but never in an overbearing way. I never have to guess what mood she’s going to be in because it doesn’t affect her coaching or the way she interacts with us.”
Religion Instructor Rabbi Jennifer Marx Asch noted Feuerstein’s contemplative outlook on life. “She thinks and feels very deeply,” Marx Asch said. “She has her eyes wide open and really sees the world and the people around her. She’s thoughtful in her approach to everything. She's had a lot of rich life experiences, so she's very wise beyond her years and has a deep soul.”
Marx Asch continued, “Some people have just done some really cool things. Others you meet and there’s just something about them—you just know they’re a really special person. She somehow takes all of that and puts it together in one amazing package.”