Emma Lavin

Hi everyone, my name is Emma Lavin.  I’m originally from New York City, but I’ve been in Hong Kong for 15 years.  I’m an early childhood educator and a mom of three.  I’ve been teaching for 15 years and this will be my 6th year teaching Gan!  I’m excited to start another year building love for Judaism, teaching our stories and learning Hebrew together.

Class – Gan

Andrew Mullen

I am originally from a small town in the northeast of England, but I have been in Hong Kong for around 20 years.  I am a journalist but have also been teaching for the last eight years.  I am married to Ayelet and we have a seven-year-old daughter Ayala, who will be promoted to the role of big sister in October 2025.  I am looking forward to my first year teaching at Shorashim having been a member of the UJC for the last 15 years, which includes our wedding and my recent Bar Mitzvah.

Class – Kitah-Alef

Kira Matus

Hi, I’m Kira Matus.  I’m originally from Massachusetts, but I arrived in Hong Kong 9 years ago, with stops in London and Wellington, NZ along the way.  This is my fifth year teaching Shorashim, and I’m so excited to be with Kitah Bet this year!  When I’m not teaching Shorashim, I’m a mom of two and a professor of Public Policy at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.  If I have to compare teaching university students, and Shorashim, Shorashim students are so much fun, and ask the best questions.  I especially enjoy our classroom full of crafts, music, and Jewish folktales.  I’m looking forward to another fabulous year learning about, and building up, our Jewish identities – and community.  We have some amazing activities planned!

Class – Kitah Bet

Ari Day

Shalom!  My name is Ari Day.  As you will know by my trademark Red Sox cap, I am originally from Boston but have been living in Hong Kong since 2018.  Although my academic background is aimed at preparing me to teach tertiary students, I have taught young folks since long before my two kids were a twinkle in my eye. This will be my fourth year teaching Shorashim and my second year teaching the Gimmel class where I started out.  I look forward to sharing my love of Judaic Studies and Hebrew with your children and, best of all for me, learning from them.

Class – Kitah Gimmel