צוות המחנה
Camp Staff
Hanhallah – Head Staff
Rosh Machane (Director)
Bil Zarch
Associate Director
Jeff Weener
Rosh Banot (Head Girls Counselor)
Davida Amkraut
Rosh Banim (Head Boys Counselor)
Meir Deutsch
Director of Development
Melanie Gerard
Mashgiach Ruchani
Rabbi Yaakov Komisar
Communications and Social Media Specialist
Erin Robbins
Rosh Tochnit (Director of Programming)
Michelle Rosenhek Zelermyer
Peulot Meyuchadot (Head of Signature Programs)
Lisa Rubins
Hospitality Director
Netanel Spiegel
Rosh Machane (Director)
Bil Zarch
Bil Zarch is the director of Camp Yavneh. Previously, Bil was a head of school at Krieger Schechter Day School in Baltimore and Lander-Grinspoon Academy in Northampton. Bil was an active professional in the Boston community as the Director of the High School at Prozdor and oversaw the period of growth from 150 to 900 students. Bil is excited to be back at Yavneh where he spent seven amazing summers back in the 80's and 90's. Bil earned a bachelor’s degree in public communications from SUNY Buffalo, a master's degree in Jewish education from Hebrew College, and is a fellow and graduate of the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI.) Bil was the award recipient for Exemplary Jewish Community Leadership from the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. Bil is married to Rebecca Peterfreund Zarch. Their two children; Raviv, Grade 3 and Danya, Grade 1, are students at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston and will be joining Bil at camp this summer.
Associate Director
Jeff Weener
Jeff has been at Yavneh since 2001. Jeff oversees the operational and financial aspects of camp, and guides areas such as marketing, technology and food service. Jeff has an MBA from Babson College and has held various marketing and technology positions in the business world prior to joining the Yavneh family. Jeff is married to Barbara and has three children who are all alum of Yavneh.
Rosh Banot (Head Girls Counselor)
Davida Amkraut
Davida is celebrating 22 years at Yavneh this summer. Davida is a graduate of Columbia University Teachers College and retired from teaching after 28 years as a middle school language arts teacher. She and her husband Brian live in Cleveland, Ohio with their three children. She served as a principal of a Hebrew School and has taught 5th-8th graders in public school. Davida won the Gross Schechter Day School teacher award. Additionally, Davida is the recipient of the Jewish Cleveland community day school teacher award called the Steiger Award for Teaching and the Grinspoon Award for Teaching Excellence.
Rosh Banim (Head Boys Counselor)
Meir Deutsch
This is Meir’s 10th summer as rosh banim. Meir grew up in Gush Etzion, Israel and has served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Israeli Army in charge of 150 soldiers in the Givati Brigade. He has extensive experience with children including the youth groups B’nei Akiva and Shalva. He is currently working for an National Protection Trust. Meir comes to camp with his wife Adina and their three daughters.
Director of Development
Melanie Gerard
Melanie manages the fundraising initiatives for camp, alumni engagement events and serves as the liaison to the camp board of directors. Melanie brings over fifteen years of experience from the corporate sector in areas of marketing, program management and market research. She has MBA in Marketing and a BS in Economics-Finance. Melanie serves on the Executive Board for the Boston Chapter of Hadassah and prior to working at camp, served on the Camp Yavneh Board of Directors and Marketing Committee. Melanie and her husband Michael, have three kids enrolled at camp in Kerem, Maalot and Gurim. Their family eagerly attended Camp Yavneh Family Camp for seven years and Michael, is a Yavneh alum.
Mashgiach Ruchani
Rabbi Yaakov Komisar
Yaakov is thrilled to begin his first summer at Camp Yavneh. Rabbi Yaakov teaches Jews of all backgrounds at Gann Academy. He studied for rabbinic ordination under Rabbis Adin Steinsaltz, Menachem Froman, and Ariel Holland at Yeshivat Hesder Tekoa in Israel, while also serving as a combat soldier in an IDF artillery unit. Before moving to Massachusetts, Rabbi Yaakov was managing editor of Rabbi Steinsaltz's Koren translation of the Talmud Bavli and taught at Ezra Academy and the Jewish High School of Connecticut. He is married to DeDe Jacobs-Komisar, a Boston-area theater professional. They live in Sharon, MA with their three kids: Nani (8), Itai (4), and Uri (almost 2), who are all excited to also be starting their first summers at Yavneh!
Communications and Social Media Specialist
Erin Robbins
Before coming to Yavneh, Erin was a reword nerd - a freelance writer and strategist helping clients communicate their stories to their target audience. In addition, Erin has several years experience experience as both a nonprofit board and staff member, including program management, fundraising and event planning. She has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Oregon and an MA in Middle East Studies from Ben Gurion University. Always on the lookout for a great story, Erin loves being with her family (three kiddos, two dogs and her sabra husband), traveling with friends and writing her book.
Rosh Tochnit (Director of Programming)
Michelle Rosenhek Zelermyer
Michelle joins the Yavneh team as the director of programming. She earned her B.A. from Concordia University in Psychology, and a Master’s degree from McGill University, in a collaborative program of the Jewish Studies and Education departments. Michi’s love of engaging youth and young families in Jewish ‘edutainment’ (education and entertainment!) drives the formal teaching and informal programs and events that she has created and implemented for schools and synagogues in Montreal, and she anticipates a fun-filled summer of programming ahead for Kayitz ‘18. Michi is married to Cantor Gideon Zelermyer and lives in Montreal with sons Max and Ben and puppy Fenway.
Peulot Meyuchadot (Head of Signature Programs)
Lisa Rubins
Lisa has been attending Yavneh for 42 years (really!) as camper (K’85) and counselor. She has held a variety of positions, learning about camp from many perspectives. During the school year, Lisa teaches at the Solomon Schechter School in White Plains, NY. She holds a masters degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). Lisa comes to camp with her husband Scott who is head of safety at Yavneh and son, Jack who loves camp as much as she does!
Hospitality Director
Netanel Spiegel
Netanel has been taking care of our campers and staff since 2012. He has a rich history in culinary and hospitality management. Netanel recently move here from Israel to work for Yavneh full time. Netanel oversees Yavneh food service (YFS), housekeeping, transportation, and the Yavneh retreat center. Netanel can’t wait for summer to arrive, and he loves when the chanichim ask for seconds.
Year Round Staff
Bookkeeper and Registrar
Shlomit Keehn
Bookkeeper and Registrar
Shlomit Keehn
Shlomit is excited to be joining the Yavneh family! A proud mom of five, she has incredible passion for all things relating to children. Prior to Camp Yavneh, she worked as a certified personal trainer and cycle/spin instructor and is still teaching classes and working with personal training clientele. Shlomit is an active member of her local synagogue and has held leadership roles at several major Jewish communal organizations planning various functions and fundraisers to benefit local Jewish day schools. On summer days (when she's not at camp), you can find her at the beach - her all-time favorite place to be!
Camper and Counselor Care
Jossie Forman
Camp Nurse
Jasmine Hoff
Yedidut Inclusion Coordinator
Miriam Loren
Yoetzet (Social Worker) Second Session
Jessica Kinstlinger Post
Yoetzet (Social Worker) First Session
Ashley Marx
Camp Nurse
Anna Risman
Camp Nurse
Suzi Polirer
Camp Nurse
Stacey Wyner
Jossie Forman
After a short hiatus, Jossie Forman will be back for her 12th summer at Yavneh and she couldn't be more excited! Jossie is currently finishing her Masters in Mathematics Education at Columbia University Teachers College. In the fall she will start her first job as a math teacher. At camp, Jossie has served many roles including camper, counselor, s'gan rosh agam, and most recently Rosh Leviim in 2014. She is looking forward to her new role on the tochnit team this summer!
Camp Nurse
Jasmine Hoff
Jasmine, joining us for the first time, lives in downtown Cleveland and is a graduate student and college instructor, and works full time as an Emergency Room and Trauma Nurse. Jasmine is a daredevil and loves to seek out adventures such as sky-diving, cliff diving and swimming with sharks! Her favorite hobbies are traveling, working out and eating. She is fluent in Hebrew and spent some time living in Israel.
Yedidut Inclusion Coordinator
Miriam Loren
Miriam is a graduate of Columbia University Teachers College and worked for many years in Early Childhood Special Education, running classrooms for developmentally delayed children and their parents. Miriam has also worked as an evaluator, diagnosing children and evaluating them for special services. Miriam lives in New Rochelle, NY with her husband Ari and her five boys, three of whom will be joining her at camp.
Yoetzet (Social Worker) Second Session
Jessica Kinstlinger Post
Jessica Kinstlinger Post (1981-89, Kerem 88) is a clinical social worker. Jessica was the yoetzet in 2014 and is excited to return. She received her MSW at University of Michigan and moved to the Boston area fueled by her Yavneh connections. Jessica counseled families in the Diabetes Program at Boston Children's Hospital for seven years. During the school year Jessica works at Mass Bay Community College in the Counseling Services Center. Her children Teddy (Gefen) and Olivia (Gurim) are excited to return to Yavneh.
Yoetzet (Social Worker) First Session
Ashley Marx
Ashley Marx is a clinical social worker and has worked with children and adolescents in schools and private practice since 2005. She was born and raised in Nashville, TN, came the Boston area for college and stayed for 18 years, before returning to the South (Atlanta, GA). Ashley is coming to camp with her two daughters, Noa and Tali, and her husband Eli Geller (K’ 94) who will return to camp for Shabbatot.
Camp Nurse
Anna Risman
This is going to be Anna's 1st summer as camp nurse at Yavneh and she is very excited! Anna previously worked at the summer camp Gan Israel with Shaloh House in Brighton, MA as a camp nurse for several years. Anna nows works as an APRN, Women's Health NP, her background is in infertility and OB/GYN. She is a clinical instructor/faculty for Regis college, MA. Two of her three kids will be joining Yavneh as campers. Anna is looking forward to the great summer experience at camp.
Camp Nurse
Suzi Polirer
Suzi Polirer, RN, has been on the nursing staff of Camp Yavneh since 1991! In addition to her B.S. in Nursing, NHTI 1982, Suzi has an A.B. from CCNY. She began her career as a teacher at MTJ in NY and she switched careers entering nursing and serving in the ER, endoscopy and finally transitioning to elementary school nursing in Florida in 2002. Suzi brings her broad spectrum of lifelong learning and nursing skills to the Marp – her summer home on Lucas Pond. Suzi is married to Rabbi Richie and their four children are Yavneh alums - Jonathan, Eric, Meredith and Daniel. Soon, her grandchildren will be among the chanichim at Yavneh, too!
Camp Nurse
Stacey Wyner
Stacey Wyner, APRN, FNP, joined the Marp staff in 2009. Her first experience with Yavneh was as a counselor in 1991 for Kfirim girls, then returned for Family Camp for a few summers with her husband and four children. Stacey has been working as a nurse practitioner for the past 20 years. Eighteen years were spent in a family practice in Connecticut and the last two years have been spent in a School-Based Health Clinic providing healthcare to underserved teens. Her children have all loved camp, only the younger two remain at Yavneh as campers. She is looking forward to another great summer at Yavneh.
Support Staff
Co Rosh Gan/Parparim
Rena Gray
Co Rosh Gan/Parparim
Simmie Hefetz
Office Administrator
Amy Glickman Sharff
Head of Safety & Photography
Scott Rubins
Rosh Meltzarim (First Session)
Ruthie Simon
Co Rosh Gan/Parparim
Rena Gray
Rena is looking forward to her first summer experience at Camp Yavneh. Originally from Los Angeles, she has a Master's degree in Early Childhood education from Touro College and has been teaching young children for 10 years. During the school months she works as a toddler teacher at Intown Jewish Preschool in Atlanta, GA. In between teaching, writing and attending her husband Eli's softball games, Rena loves to be surrounded by nature and can't wait to catch her first glimpse of Yavneh.
Co Rosh Gan/Parparim
Simmie Hefetz
Simmie is looking forward to spending her first summer on staff at camp as Rosh Gan Parparim. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston University and has taught preschool, Hebrew School and jewelry making at a local day camp. She currently teaches a transitional kindergarten class at the Hertz Nursery School in her hometown of Sharon, MA. Simmie is coming to camp with her two daughters, Maya (Gurim) and Eliana (Kfirim).
Office Administrator
Amy Glickman Sharff
Amy is joining us from Zichron Yaakov, Israel where she is a Ballet Teacher and Lactation Consultant. Amy is originally from Northampton, MA where her three children attended the Lander Grinspoon Academy. Amy is looking forward to sharing her Yavneh summer with her daughter, Nili.
Head of Safety & Photography
Scott Rubins
Scott returns for his 23rd year and was previously rosh banim. Scott has worked in the public safety world as a peace officer and for almost 30 years as an EMT with the Scarsdale Ambulance. He holds a Masters degree from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, teaches Forensic Science at New Rochelle High School and is an Adjunct Professor for Syracuse University. Scott comes to camp with his wife, Lisa and son, Jack.
Rosh Meltzarim (First Session)
Ruthie Simon
Ruthie (Strosberg) Simon discovered Camp Yavneh at the age of 8. She was a camper in Gurim, Kfirim, and Maalot, and led the Na’aleh trip to Israel. She earned a BA from Union College and a MA from Hebrew College. Following four years working at Prozdor, Ruthie moved to NYC and joined the administration of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School. She has been with YCT for 13 years and is currently the Director of Placement and Alumni Affairs. Ruthie and her husband Joel live in Riverdale with their two children, Hattie and Avery.
Specialists
Tennis and Floor Hockey Instructor
Amit Ben Eliyahu
Rosh Etgar (Head of Obstacle Course)
Travis Corcoran
Cooking and Kolbo
Meital Dimant
Rosh Mishlachat (Head of the Israeli Counselor Delegation)
Adina Deutsch
Art Specialist
Tali Edry
Co-Rosh Sport (Head of Sports)
Mica Felsztyna
Rosh Sport (Head of Sports)
Eli Gray
Rosh Agam (Head of Waterfront)
Estelle Lajmer Gomolka
Ceramic Artist
Julie Leshem
Rosh Rikud (Head of Dance)
Marcelo Marianoff
Rosh Omanut (Head of Art)
Jayne Miller
Rana Morrissey
Teva Specialist
Jeremy Sarnat
Rosh Drama - Second Session Musical
Cassie Seinuk
Rosh Muzika (Head of Music)
Benzi Thee
Shani Winton
Maalot Play Director
Kristi Wivagg
Tennis and Floor Hockey Instructor
Amit Ben Eliyahu
Amit is entering his first summer at Camp Yavneh, and is excited to join the tzevet! Originally from a kibbutz in Israel, he currently lives in Montreal, Canada, where he studies philosophy and biology at McGill University. An all-around sports lover with experience in tennis, volleyball and sailing, Amit’s specialty is ice hockey, which he has played for 12 years and refereed for 7 years. In his spare time, you might find him with his nose buried in a book, listening to classic rock, or playing guitar in his band.
Rosh Etgar (Head of Obstacle Course)
Travis Corcoran
Travis is excited to start his first summer at camp as Rosh Etgar! He has been an avid Obstacle Course Racer for three years and lives for new endurance and adventure challenges! Travis has guided groups of all ages and abilities through NH's largest obstacle training facility, Derti OCR Training, right here in Northwood, NH! During the rest of the year, Travis teaches pre-k through 8th grade general music, band and chorus and coaches soccer, basketball and baseball in Acton, ME. Travis fills his free time practicing drums, training for obstacle races and enjoying life with his wife and baby daughter!
Cooking and Kolbo
Meital Dimant
Meital is from Ramat Gan, Israel. Together with her family, she moved to the US eight years ago. She has a B.Ed in Special Education and a MA in Educational Management from Bar Ilan University. For the past eight years, Meital has been a Judaic Studies teacher at the Solomon Schecter Day School of Greater Boston. Meital believes that teaching Hebrew and Judaic Studies is her professional calling.
Rosh Mishlachat (Head of the Israeli Counselor Delegation)
Adina Deutsch
Adina is thrilled to be coming back to Camp Yavneh for her 13th summer. As Rosh Mishlachat, her summers are spent guiding our Israeli madrichim and planning high energy Israeli-themed activities and special programs in Hebrew, including Yom Israel celebrations. During the year, Adina lives in Efrat, Gush Etzion, and is a trained physical therapist who works with children with disabilities in schools, and with kindergarten children with autism. Through the Israeli Ministry of Education, she mentors other physical therapists. But mostly, Adina and her children count down the days until they can come back to their home away from home at Yavneh!
Art Specialist
Tali Edry
Tali was an art teacher in Israel and moved to the United States at a shlichah. She taught K-8 at the Heritage Academy and was very involved in the community. Last year, Tali returned to Israel, after her two daughters made aliyah. She currently teaches art in an elementary school. Tali and her husband, Yehuda, have five children and their youngest daughter will be a camper at Yavneh.
Co-Rosh Sport (Head of Sports)
Mica Felsztyna
Mica is from Cordoba, Argentina and has a degree from the Institute of Physical Education and a diploma in Aerobic training. Mica’s specialty as an Air Aerobic teacher has been a hit at camp. This is Mica’s 6th summer at Yavneh. Mica is married to Marcelo.
Rosh Sport (Head of Sports)
Eli Gray
Eli is from Miami Beach, FL and currently lives in Atlanta, GA. In addition to being a professional photographer he is also a fan of all things Miami sports related and has been known to play in as many as five softball games in one day. This will be his first summer at Yavneh, joined by his wife Rena, and he is looking forward to bringing his love of sports and coaching to Yavneh for summer 2018.
Rosh Agam (Head of Waterfront)
Estelle Lajmer Gomolka
Estelle is a 5th grade teacher at The Greater Boston SSDS. She is a graduate of Maimonides school. She is celebrating her 40th summer at Yavneh (K’79). She has held many positions at Yavneh including rosh banot(head girls counselor). Estelle has well over 20 years teaching swimming and holds her WSI, lifeguarding CPR and First Aid instructor. She is married to Guy and has two children.
Ceramic Artist
Julie Leshem
Julie has been creating and teaching ceramics for over 25 years. Her studio, Golden Lights Pottery is in Efrat, and her work focuses on integrating Judaic themes with usable and aesthetic pieces. Julie is returning to camp for her 8th summer and looks forward to encouraging creativity while at the same time teaching basic skills working with clay and using the potters wheel. Julie lives in Efrat with her husband and enjoys her six children and many grandchildren.
Rosh Rikud (Head of Dance)
Marcelo Marianoff
Marcelo is the Israeli Dance Director of Maccabi in Cordoba, Argentina and the choreographer of their Leahaka “Sinapzia”. He regularly guest teaches Israeli dance around the world including Peru, Switzerland, New Zealand, England and Israel. This is his 6th summer at Yavneh. Marcelo is married to Mica.
Rosh Omanut (Head of Art)
Jayne Miller
This is Jayne’s 16th summer bringing her craft to Yavneh. Jayne is skilled in and has taught spinning, quilting, enameling, jewelry and other subjects. She has taken and taught numerous art workshops over many years. She is married to Barry and has three children at Yavneh.
Teva Specialist
Jeremy Sarnat
This is Jeremy’s first summer at Yavneh. During the rest of year, he lives in Atlanta and teaches about and does research on air pollution health effects at Emory University. Jeremy loves backpacking, mountaineering, birding and teaching kids how to properly identify poison ivy. He is especially excited to be joining two of his three children, Talia and Ilan, this summer as well, and has promised not to embarrass them too much.
Rosh Drama - Second Session Musical
Cassie Seinuk
Cassie is an award winning Jewish Cuban playwright and stage manager with an MFA from Lesley University, and her BA from Brandeis. Cassie's full-length play FROM THE DEEP is the second place recipient of the 2014 Latinidad Playwrights Award at The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and the 2014 winner of the Pestalozzi Prize for best New Play at the Firehouse Center for the Arts New Work Festival. Seinuk is a recipient of the BU Jewish Cultural Endowment grant. During the year Cassie teaches Hebrew and runs the drama program at Kesher Newton and the Tot-Shabbat program at Temple Reyim Newton.
Shani Winton
Shani is excited to return to Yavneh for her 13th summer. For 12 years she worked year round at Yavneh and ran the summer office. This past year Shani moved to Gann Academy where she is the Manager of Experiential Education Programs. This summer Shani will be working full time in Amanut. She is coming to camp with her youngest child, Ari, who will be in Kerem.
Maalot Play Director
Kristi Wivagg
Kristi received a BA in theater from University of Denver and an MA in directing from Emerson College. She has been an actor, stage manager and director in places around the globe such as New York, LA, Boston and Edinburgh, Scotland. Kristi is the proud mom of two Yavneh alums! This is Kristi's 16th summer at Camp Yavneh.
Tochnit (Programming)
Alex Bonneau
Alex Bonneau
Alex, a member of 2KX or Kerem 2010, will be returning for her 13th summer at Camp Yavneh. She is currently a 6th-grade teacher at Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua, a nanny for a few families and has an office job. After taking a summer off to finally explore her passion for dirt bike riding, she is more than ready to come back and bring a long time camper/counselor's perspective back to camp. Alex has had many roles at camp including camper, counselor and Yachad (specialist) counselor.
Educational Staff – Leadership
Rosh Chinuch (Head of Education)
Chana Israel
S'gan Rosh Chinuch (Assistant Head of Education)
Seth Pertain
Rosh Chinuch (Head of Education)
Chana Israel
Chana is currently the lead teacher for Kindergarten and First Grade Judaics at the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District. She has directed Jewish educational programming over the past 20 years for students from pre-school through high school. Chana has been a member of the chinuch staff at Camp Yavneh for the past three years. She is married to Mark and they have four children – all of whom have attended Camp Yavneh and will be at camp this summer.
S'gan Rosh Chinuch (Assistant Head of Education)
Seth Pertain
Seth Pertain is a high school Talmud teacher at the Schechter High School of Westchester. Seth has a B.A. in Judaic Studies from Binghamton and did his graduate work on the Melamdim Program – a joint program between the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University. This is going to be Seth’s 11th summer at Camp Yavneh.
Educational Staff – Morim (Teachers)
Yehuda Endry
Sara Birnbaum
Morah
Joanne Camann
Moreh
Justin Cammy
Morah
Rabbi Karen Citrin
Moreh
Rabbi Micah Citrin
Morah
Limor Cohen Mellul
Morah
Roselyn Farren
Avital Hirschhorn
Rabbi Yonaton Hirschhorn
Morah
Jeanie Horowitz
Moreh
Rabbi Daniel Klein
Moreh
Rabbi Marshall Lesack
Morah
Shira Loewenstein
Amalia Mark
Morah
Marla Olsberg
Moreh
Rabbi Richard Polirer
Rabbi Jeffrey Weiss
Yehuda Endry
Yehuda taught Hebrew and Judaic Studies at the Heritage Academy for many years. He was also the youth director at B'nai Torah and worked at Temple Beth El and Temple Sinai as Hebrew school teacher, helping prepare kids for their bar and bat mitzvot. Together with his wife, Tali, Yehuda made aliyah to Israel two years ago and is currently teaching in a both a middle and high school in Israel.
Sara Birnbaum
Sara Birnbaum has more than 17 years of experience in synagogue schools, Jewish camps and United Synagogue Youth. Sara recently served as the educational director at Congregation Shaarei Tikvah in Scarsdale, NY. Sara received her MSW from YU and her Bachelor’s in Family Studies from Hofstra University. In addition, she began her Rabbinical studies at JTS and is continuing at the Academy for Jewish Religion. Sara and her husband Dan enjoy spending free time with their four children (all at Yavneh this summer) traveling, bike riding, spending time at the beach and playing sports.
Morah
Joanne Camann
This will be Joanne’s 11th summer at camp. Joanne currently teaches first grade at MetroWest Jewish Day School in Framingham, MA. She has taught for many years in a variety of settings including Jewish preschools, afternoon Hebrew schools and day schools. Joanne holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Brandeis as well as three Master's, in Education, Social Work and Jewish studies.
Moreh
Justin Cammy
Justin Cammy is an associate professor of Jewish Studies and Comparative Literature at Smith College in Northampton, MA. His courses include the history of Zionism and contemporary Israel and Yiddish literature and culture. In 2006 he was awarded Smith's Sherrerd Prize for Distinguished Teaching. He is the parent of three Yavneh campers, and a former member of the head staff at Camp B'nai Brith of Ottawa.
Morah
Rabbi Karen Citrin
Karen attended Yavneh as a camper, counselor and rosh aydah from 87-96. She serves as co-rabbi and educator at Temple Beth David in Westwood, MA. A graduate of Brandeis, Karen received her smicha from the Hebrew Union College (HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles and holds a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from the HUC-JIR. As Yavneh shaped her Jewish identity, Karen looks forward to teaching and engaging the next generation. Karen will be joined at camp by Micah and their twin sons, Itai and Yonah.
Moreh
Rabbi Micah Citrin
Micah is co-rabbi and educator at Temple Beth David in Westwood, MA. A graduate of the University of Oregon, Micah received his smicha from the Hebrew Union College (HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles and holds a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from HUC-JIR. Micah spent many memorable summers as a camper, counselor, song leader, rosh aydah and director of education in California. Most importantly, Micah is abbato 4th grade twins Itai and Yonah.
Morah
Limor Cohen Mellul
Limor is a native Hebrew speaker and has been involved in Jewish education for over two decades. Limor currently teaches Judaic and Hebrew Studies at Maimonides school, as well as mentoring teachers at Brandeis University. Limor strongly believes that knowing Hebrew can deepen one’s connection to Jewish identity and to Israel. This is Limor’s 8th summer working at Camp Yavneh.
Morah
Roselyn Farren
This will be Roselyn's first summer at Yavneh since her years as a camper in Kfirim. She is thrilled to join her children Miryam, Boaz, Ori and Will at camp! For nearly two decades, Roselyn has taught text to students of a wide range of ages in formal and informal settings. She served as faculty at Prozdor for more than ten years, where she taught Tanach, Rabbinics and Israeli literature. She holds a PhD in English literature from Brandeis and currently teaches ELA at Plymouth North High School.
Avital Hirschhorn
Avital is so excited for her first summer at Camp Yavneh! Originally from Israel, Avital now lives in College Park, Maryland. Together with her husband, Yonaton, she works at the University of Maryland Hillel as an OU-JLIC Educator. Before moving to Maryland, Avital studied at Matan in Jerusalem, and Bar Ilan University. Avital enjoys the outdoors, drinking green smoothies, reading a good book and spending time with her adorable daughters, Navah (4) and Tamar (2).
Rabbi Yonaton Hirschhorn
Yonaton cannot wait to begin his first summer at Camp Yavneh! Hailing from Neve Daniel, Israel, Yonaton currently lives in College Park, Maryland. Together with his wife, Avital, he serves as an OU-JLIC Educator at the University of Maryland Hillel. Before moving to Maryland, Yonaton taught at various yeshivot and seminaries in Jerusalem, as well as founding a youth beit midrash in Neve Daniel. Yonaton enjoys hiking, learning and basketball! He can't wait to meet you all on the courts.
Morah
Jeanie Horowitz
Jeanie Horowitz has been teaching at Yavneh for the past eight summers. Raised in New York, Jeanie lives in London with her husband and three children who all attend Yavneh. Jeanie is the Hebrew School Principal at Belsize Square Synagogue in London. She is active at New North London Synagogue and is an avid participant in their adult education programs.
Moreh
Rabbi Daniel Klein
Daniel grew up as a camper and counselor at Camp Yavneh and is looking forward to returning as a teacher this summer and introducing his nine year old son, Micah, to Yavneh. A former middle school social studies teacher, Daniel was ordained by the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in 2010 and now serves as its Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Life. He is also the Rabbi in Residence at The Boston Synagogue.
Moreh
Rabbi Marshall Lesack
Marshall Lesack is the Principal of the Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt Highschool at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, FL, and also serves as the chair of the Jewish Studies department. He served as the assistant director at Camp Ramah Darom and was a faculty advisor for the Cornerstone Fellowship through the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Marshall has degrees from the rabbinic and the education programs at the Jewish Theological Seminary and a B.A. from Rutgers University, and studied in universities and yeshivot in Israel. He loves camp and is thrilled to be coming to Yavneh this summer with his wife and 3 children.
Morah
Shira Loewenstein
Shira Loewenstein has been coming to camp for a long time. She started in Ma'alot and has served in many roles throughout the years. Shira works for the Yeshiva University School Partnership. She runs a program supporting new teachers and works with teachers on professional development. Shira also teaches fifth grade Mishnah at the Striar Hebrew Academy in Sharon, MA. This summer Shira will be at camp with her husband Yehudah (whom she met at camp) and their four children.
Amalia Mark
Amalia is currently stocking up on sunscreen and seforim in anticipation of joining Yavneh for her very first summer! Amalia has worked as a community organizer in Baltimore City with Repair the World and as the director of Jewish Student Life at the University of Arizona Hillel. Amalia has also studied Experiential Education at the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators. This fall, Amalia will be returning to Israel for her Shana Gimmel year at the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College. When not in the Beit Midrash, she can be found baking cookies or hanging out with her cats.
Morah
Marla Olsberg
Marla Olsberg is excited to return to the Tzevet Morim for her 6th year. Marla worked in various Jewish Educational settings for the past 25 years. She is employed by the Boston- Haifa Connection (CJP) as the Project Manager for the School to School partnerships between Boston and Haifa. Her work revolves around Jewish Identity and Peoplehood. She both taught and was an administrator at South Area Solomon Schechter for 20 years.
Moreh
Rabbi Richard Polirer
Richard Polirer, aka Rabbi Richie, has been a Moreh at Yavneh since 1992. A pulpit rabbi since 1977, he brings to Yavneh his wide array of teaching expertise. Rabbi Richie coordinates Torah readers for the Egalitarian Minyan, delivers the news from Israel and helps prepare children for their B’nai Mitzvah. He comes to us from Florida where we pursues his interests, including history, linguistics and chazzanut. Rabbi Richie is accompanied at Yavneh by his wife, Nurse Suzi.
Rabbi Jeffrey Weiss
Jeffrey, originally from Brookline, Massachusetts, spent eight summers at Camp Yavneh (Gurim through Na'aleh). He has smicha from RIETS, a Master's in Jewish Education and Administration from Azrieli, and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Creighton University. He and his family recently moved to Cherry Hill, NJ to join the Kohelet Yeshiva Lab School team as Judaic Specialist in 2016. Previously, Jeffrey served as an Educator, Pastoral Services Coordinator and Mashgiach Ruchani in Omaha, Nebraska for eight years. Jeffrey credits his summers at Yavneh as being one of the greatest influences on his Jewish identity. This will be his ninth summer at Yavneh, although the first as staff, and he is looking forward to sharing the Yavneh experience with his wife Ilana and 4 girls ages 2-8.