Poly math teacher Ira Feldman’s Sunday routine typically begins at 5:30 a.m. “As soon as the sun peers through my window, I get up. It’s just a force of habit,” he said, noting he never needs an alarm clock to wake up. He loves Sunday mornings because his wife, Mrs. Feldman, makes one of his favorite breakfasts: waffles. Feldman said his wife is a world-class chef, and when she makes waffles the result resembles something you would see on television. He loves to load his waffles with raspberries and blueberries and of course, maple syrup.  “I only like the real maple syrup, not the fake stuff,” he said.

After breakfast, he has an assortment of things he likes to do, depending on the time of year. In the fall and spring, Feldman said he “want[s] to go fishing because I live right next to the ocean.” He loves to catch striped bass and bluefish. Additionally, in the spring and summer, Feldman shared that he “grow[s] tomatoes upside down.” He grows them upside down because he lives near the beach, and there isn’t any soil to grow his tomatoes. Feldman believes that growing them upside down is just as beneficial as growing them in the ground. As an added bonus, this method keeps the raccoons away. He claimed “My secret to growing these tomatoes is by making my own blend of fertilizer.” He grows such an abundant amount per year that every summer his neighbors come to his house and pick their own tomatoes from his collection to take home (his tomatoes and garden are pictured). 

Feldman often does work around his house, making sure everything is neat and tidy.  For Feldman, a critical part of his routine is inspecting the outside of his house.  As a matter of fact, when Hurricane Sandy hit New York in 2012 and destroyed the first floor of Feldman’s house, he rebuilt his house himself.  He explained, “I make sure everything is clean, because I live in an area where Mother Nature is trying to take back my house.” Feldman loves spending time outdoors, and makes sure he takes care of his home whenever he has the opportunity.   

Often, Feldman and his wife visit their daughter in Boston. Her name is Danielle, and she is a doctor with a PhD in neuroscience from MIT. She is employed by a company that looks for molecules that function as medication in the bloodstream. They also have two sons, one who lives in the Rocky Mountains, and another who lives on Long Island. His sons visit Feldman and his wife from time to time. Feldman especially enjoys this, as it allows him a chance to see his grandchildren.  When his grandchildren visit, Feldman shared, “I will take them surfing right up the block.” Going to the beach is one of his favorite things to do. He said, “I can look out my window and see the surf crash against the shore.” In addition, he built his own kayak and occasionally takes it down to the beach and goes kayaking in the good weather.  

One of Feldman’s favorite Sunday activities is completing The New York Times crossword puzzle, which he does every week without fail. Feldman explained that he loves to complete the crossword with his daughter. For him and his daughter, it is something that brings them together each week. He elaborates, “sometimes my daughter in Boston will call me up and ask me if I got a certain clue, and I’ll call her up and ask her what 10 down is or 9 across.”  

Although a Sunday for Feldman is very carefree, he considers it a preparation day for the week. He stated, “I make sure I have everything set for my classes on Monday and Tuesday.” Since Sunday is crucial for Feldman to feel prepared for the upcoming school week, he considers Saturday the real relaxing day.  After a rejuvenating Sunday, Feldman ends his day by going to sleep around 11:00 p.m., excited to go to school the next day and teach his math classes.