Camp YavnehCamp Yavneh
March 21, 2016

Welcome New Director – Bil Zarch

Author - Camp Yavneh

Newton, MA (March, 2016) – Camp Yavneh, New England’s premier overnight Jewish camp, announced today the hiring of Bil Zarch as the new Camp Director. He will officially begin his new position in September 2016. Zarch will succeed Debbie Sussman, devoted Director of Camp Yavneh of 26 years.

“Bil has the vision, energy and passion to lead us through this transition. He brings an incredible commitment to and understanding of what makes Yavneh great and he has the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to continue to keep Yavneh relevant, fresh and engaging,” says Nanette Fridman, President and member of the Director Search Committee. Debbie Sussman adds, “He embodies the qualities and the characteristics we want to see in our next Yavneh director.”IMG_3107

Most recently, Zarch was the Head of School at Kreiger Schechter Day School in Baltimore and before that, the former Head of School at Lander Grinspoon Academy in Northampton, Massachusetts. He has also held positions as the Director of the High School of Prozdor at Hebrew College and was on staff at Camp Yavneh in the 90s. He is married to Rebecca Peterfreund Zarch and has two children, Raviv and Danya.

“I’m thrilled to accept the role of Director at Yavneh and am excited for this opportunity to return back to a place that’s held a special place in my heart”, says Bil Zarch. “Having attended Yavneh for eight summers, I credit it with having provided me a strong Jewish foundation. It was Yavneh that taught me critical leadership skills and it was Yavneh where I built deep friendships and a bond to Judaism and my community. I’m honored to serve as the next Director.”

Yavneh is most grateful to the commitment and diligence demonstrated by the Director Search Committee led skillfully by Dan Winograd. According to Winograd, “it was clear from the outset that the Yavneh community shares a deep love for our camp and an appreciation for what makes it unique and special. The Search Committee members understand the commitment to maintaining Yavneh’s essence, while ensuring the camp continues to evolve and respond to changing contexts and new challenges”.

Sussman will stay with camp through this summer and says, “This is an exciting time for Camp Yavneh and for me personally. I’m confident Bil will open the next chapter in the camp’s story and I wish him the best of luck. I know he will lead Yavneh with unparalleled devotion and passion. I’m looking forward to my next challenge and spending more time with my growing family and can’t wait for my own grandchildren to attend Yavneh. It will be the third generation in my family to continue; Dor L’Dor!”

In recognition of Sussman’s retirement, the camp has dedicated its annual campaign to include a new Sefer Torah in her honor. On Sunday, July 3rd, a festive Independence Day-themed celebration for the entire community will be held in Northwood, New Hampshire, at which time the community will celebrate Debbie’s amazing legacy and the new Sefer Torah.