Sara Bordan

Sara and her husband Josh first met at camp and then reconnected in 2005 when they competed as teenagers at the Chidon HaTanach in Israel-  both of them were Canadian champions (Sara from Montreal and Josh from Toronto). “Chidon was a phenomenal experience; the first time I was in a room with so many people who love to learn!” After high school, Sara studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum in Israel.  “I really fell in love with learning.” She continued onto Stern, majored in Jewish studies, and went on to earn a masters in Tanach focusing on parshanut. “I spent a lot of hours going through different mefarshim; it was my first time understanding that there is a methodology to each one and that there is a thesis tied into all their work”. Sara taught in elementary and middle schools in NY before continuing to law school in the US and U of T when she moved to Toronto. Sara has worked in the legal department at the Heart and Stroke Foundation for the last ten years.

Sara joined the Board of Netivot 3 years ago, and reflects: “I think it’s important to put up your hand, even if it makes you feel a little bit uncomfortable, and even if you don’t necessarily know what you’re getting yourself into, because everyone has different things to contribute. Pushing your limits and pushing the boundaries is what helps you and the institution grow and get better”.

Sara and Josh have 4 children, 3 at Netivot. Sara explains that the big draws for her family to the school are its well-rounded education, “its connection to Israel… and the kids are excited and happy!” When asked to share a bracha with Netivot for the future, Sara expresses “Continue to contribute to the next generation of the Jewish people, continuing to instill love for learning, and the skills the children need to go out into the world and contribute in whatever way they can.”