Staff Profile: Irit Bornstein

Meet Irit Bornstein, Hausner's passionate TK and Kindergarten Hebrew and Jewish Studies teacher! Learn about her birth name, her unique journey from Argentina to Israel to the Bay Area, and her favorite Jewish holiday. Plus, find out what brings her joy in the classroom and beyond. Don't miss this interview!

1. How long have you lived in the Bay Area, where did you come from and what brought you here?

I have lived in the Bay Area for 23 years. I was born in Argentina and moved to Israel when I was six years old. 

2. What is your role at Hausner and how long have you been here?

This is my 5th year at Hausner. I teach Hebrew and Jewish Studies in TK and kindergarten. 

3. What is the highlight of your working week?

If something good happens in the class, for example when a student helps another friend who is crying, another student will immediately come up to me and say this is “a mitzvah” or a good value. This is something that I teach them about at the very beginning of the year, and they never forget it. It warms my heart. 

4. What do you do when you're not at work?

I like to spend time with my family, my oldest daughter who just finished the army in Israel and my youngest daughter who is graduating college this year. I enjoy doing mixed media art, going to museums and galleries, and watching plays.  

5. What do you think you would do if you weren't a teacher?

I cannot imagine being anything other than a teacher. But if I really wasn’t a teacher, I would be a full-time actress. 

6. Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

My real name is Marisa-Sara. I received the Hebrew name of Irit when my family made Aliyah.  

7. What is your favorite Hebrew word/Jewish Holiday?

My favorite Jewish holiday is Rosh Hashanah for many reasons. It is a time when all of my family gathers together. I love that this is also a time for new hopes and wishes for the coming year, a time to reset and regroup. I find the blessings for Rosh Hashanah very meaningful.