Born in Cairo, Egypt, Irene Kirsh immigrated with her family to Israel at just four months old. She was raised in Tel Aviv, attending public elementary school in Tel Aviv before continuing her education at WIZO Vocational High School, where she studied fashion and mastered the art of dressmaking.

At the age of 17, Irene moved independently to New York to further her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology. While learning English in the evenings, she worked multiple jobs to support herself and pay for her studies – an early reflection of the determination and resilience that would define her life. Several years later, Irene relocated to Montreal, Canada, where she reunited with her father and sister, worked at Eaton’s Department Store, and met her husband, Morris. Together, they welcomed their son, Edward.

During Edward’s early years, Irene stayed home, continuing to design and sew clothing while providing alterations for clients. In 1971, the family moved to Flushing, New York, so Morris could pursue further education. Irene’s dressmaking and alterations business remained a vital source of support for the family.

After the birth of their daughter, Jennifer, the family settled in Jericho, Long Island, where Irene built a large and loyal clientele while raising her children at home. Once both children were in school, Irene embarked on a new professional chapter, pursuing a career in ultrasound. She worked at Glen Cove Hospital for 20 years and was employed by vascular surgeon Dr. Robert Swersky for an extraordinary 37 years.

Since retiring after the COVID pandemic, Irene has returned to her lifelong passion for dressmaking and alterations, and delights in her role as a devoted grandmother to Julia, Zoe, and Magnus. She enjoys knitting, crocheting, and her weekly Mahjong and Canasta games.

Deeply committed to Judaism and the Jewish community, Irene has been a dedicated member of the Jericho Jewish Center since 1974. She has been a regular attendee at Shabbat services, a volunteer at numerous synagogue events, and a devoted parent whose two children attended Hebrew School, celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at the Jericho Jewish Center, and continued their Jewish education through Hebrew High School. Raised in a religious home, Irene has passed these values and traditions on to her children and grandchildren. Julia and Zoe attended Jewish Day School in Chicago, and Magnus proudly attends Hebrew school at Miyad Chabad in Jericho and cherishes his nightly tradition of saying the Sh’ma with his grandma.

Irene maintains a strong and enduring connection to Israel, returning often to visit family and friends, volunteer with the IDF, and host loved ones visiting from abroad. She is truly honored that Jericho Jewish Center is recognizing her as a Woman of Achievement, a distinction that reflects a life of perseverance, dedication, family, faith, and community.