Kira Borman is what your Bubbe would call a mensch (role model). She spends her days creating a vibrant Jewish life for young adults as Federation’s Young Leadership Associate, her weekends downward dogging at yoga class, and her nights attending fun Jewish community events across the city. She also happens to be one of the sweetest, friendliest, and most hard-working ladies out there. So…you should probably get to know her.
Allie: So, tell us about a day in the life of a DC Jewish professional.
Kira: As The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Young Leadership Associate, no day is ever the same. One day, I may be surfing in Tel Aviv while staffing a Birthright Israel trip, and another day, I could be drinking cold brew coffee at WeWork with other Jewish young professionals for our monthly learning collaborative.
When I’m not traveling across continents or throughout DC, I spend lots of time in the office planning fun get-togethers for Birthright Israel alumni, creating special programs for members of Federation’s giving societies, and putting on great events for our larger Jewish community (such as our upcoming Havdalah with an Israeli Changemaker on November 4). So, it’s safe to say my work keeps me pretty busy day-to-day. More than anything, what I love most about my job is that I’m always meeting new, amazing young adults living in our local community!
Allie: I hear you’ve staffed a TON of Birthright Israel trips. What’s that like?
Kira: I’m beyond thankful that part of my job includes staffing Birthright Israel trips for adults ages 22-26! Looking back on my last trip (shout out to #Bus555), the highlight was definitely the 13 participants that celebrated their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs while looking over the Saadim ruins near Jerusalem.
The B’nei Mitzvah participants ranged from Hebrew school dropouts (no shame!), to individuals that wanted to re-experience their Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs at a time that was more meaningful to them. Each of the B’nei Mitzvah participants had the opportunity to say the blessings before and after the Torah reading, share the meaning of their chosen Hebrew names, and discuss what this experience meant to them. This was one of those truly unforgettable memories that motivates me to get up every morning and do what I do.
From my first trip (#Bus488) to my most recent trip, I’ve been absolutely blown away by how curious participants are. The amount of genuinely meaningful and deep conversations I’ve had on Birthright Israel continue to inspire me for months after the trip.
My biggest challenge on each trip is how to make my Birthright participants’ 10 days in Israel as incredible as possible.
Allie: What’s your go-to food to break the fast with on Yom Kippur?
Kira: Definitely a GOOD bagel and cream cheese. I was gluten free (you can make all the jokes you want!) for about a year and a half because my body seemed to strongly dislike wheat. But…last Yom Kippur, I felt so cruddy from fasting all day that I figured, worst case scenario, if I tried a bagel, I’d continue to feel awful. Thankfully, that was not the case and I felt totally fine! While I can’t say it was as good as a Tompkins Square Bagel, I’ve been happily enjoying the gluten life ever since =]. Hooray for not gluten free challah and finally getting to try District Donuts!
Allie: Tell us your favorite way to spend a free Sunday in the city.
Kira: Assuming I’m not starting the day off too slow, my ideal Sunday kicks off with a yoga class and then a trip to the Dupont farmer’s market for some delicious fresh fruits and veggies (and, yes, maybe some gluten-full treats as well). Those who know me, know that I’m still getting over my move from the Navy Yard and missing my very favorite VIDA down at The Yards. If you ever have the chance to take yoga (or even Pilates) with Chris Parkison at The Yards’ VIDA, take it!! I promise, I’m not getting paid to say this, Chris just totally got me hooked on yoga and I’m forever grateful to him for that.
Allie: Complete this sentence: When Jews of DC Gather…
Kira: You know that at least one person showed up because their mother told them, “go! you might meet someone nice!”
