Rachel Hollander Sirner of Merion Station is a devoted mom to two boys, Rafi (5) and Kobi (3), and a loving wife to Ari. As senior director of IACT (Inspired, Active, Committed, Transformed) at Hillel International, Hollander leads an initiative that uses Birthright Israel to deepen Jewish connection and identity among college students. While her role takes her nationwide, Hollander’s love and commitment to her family inspire her to find ways to balance work and home life (although she says she doesn’t believe in work/life balance! Read on…).
Responses were edited for length and clarity.
Your work with IACT at Hillel International focuses on engaging students in meaningful Jewish experiences. How has your work influenced your own family values?
My work centers on building identity and community through intentional, joyful experiences, and that’s exactly what I try to bring into our home. Ari and I have seen the magic of immersive family time: There’s something powerful about stepping away from chores to fully engage with each other. I’ve also learned to find beauty in the mundane. Watching my kids in awe at how airplanes fly reminds me just how incredible the everyday can be. That same sense of wonder exists when IACT participants see Israel through their students’ eyes. No matter how many trips I lead, that first-time wonder never gets old.
Navigating a leadership role while balancing family life can be challenging. What strategies have you found most helpful in managing both?
(1) Embrace the chaos. I don’t believe in work-life balance; I believe in being fully present wherever I am. It’s tempting to answer emails while putting my kids to bed, but I want my family to feel when I’m with them, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
(2) Stay flexible. Flexibility keeps me grounded. In the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel, we needed a new way to engage students, so my team and I created a fellowship called FAB. At home, we wanted the kids to eat more vegetables, so we invented chocolate picnics. Peppers and cucumbers dipped in chocolate are surprisingly underrated.
(3) Give people space to grow. I empower the IACTs by giving them room to stretch professionally. I try to do the same at home. My 5-year-old now helps with packing his own lunch. Giving people the chance to contribute makes everything more collaborative and meaningful.
What is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had recently as a parent?
A few weeks ago, my boys were playing together in a sandbox, whispering and giggling. It sounds so simple, but most of their day is spent fighting over who’s the stronger superhero. Watching them pause to just dig a hole and be best friends was one of those perfect moments that makes all the chaos worth it.
As someone deeply involved in community-building, how has your perspective in raising children been shaped by your professional experiences?
Over the past 15 years, I’ve spent a lot of time building connections with staff and students. I’ve seen how people thrive when they feel seen and valued, and I bring that same approach to parenting. Last summer, Rafi and I had a Philly getaway: We saw “The Lion King,” ate at Sampan (Asian fusion) and stayed at The Warwick. For now, Kobi is thrilled with ice cream dates, and so am I!
What is your favorite thing to do as a family in the Philadelphia region?
We spend many, many hours at the Kaiserman JCC. The kids run in circles, and we always bump into friendly faces.
What do you love most about raising a family in your community?
There’s a warmth here that feels like an extension of our home. People show up for each other, whether it’s a meal train for a new baby or a visit after a loss. It feels like family… although that might just be because [of] my cousins that live next door.
Family Favorites
Weekend Activity: “Hikes” at General Wayne Park
Family Restaurant: Slices and Rolls, and Hymie’s
Someplace New You’ve Tried and Would Recommend: Goodness Bowls (Narberth)
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a proud Pittsburgh mama of two. A Temple University graduate, she has a deep love for Philadelphia and is excited to highlight the stories of Philly-area parents who are making a difference in their communities.
Rachel Hollander is not a loving family person, she is a disgusting human being who is as ugly on the inside she is on the outside. Shame on this magazine for giving this reprehensible person a platform.