A Full-Circle Yavneh Story: A Conversation with Rebecca (Becca) Shimshak (Slotnick), K ’92
Tell us about your family’s involvement at Yavneh.
My mom attended Yavneh in the summer of 1958 and loved it. In 1980, when I was four years old, she returned as a Hebrew teacher, and I spent that summer in Gan. My siblings worked at camp in 1985, and when I attended that summer, I loved it so much that I extended my stay and remained for the entire season.
I continued through Kerem ’92 and later worked as a counselor from 1993–1996. In 1996, I served as Co-Rosh Arayot alongside Jon Golden, better known as “Jonny G.”
During my senior year at Harvard, Debbie Sussman called to ask if I would step in as Rosh Maalot after a last-minute cancellation. Despite some health challenges at the time, I accepted. When I arrived at camp that summer, Steve Shimshak was there to greet me—and that’s where our story began. Our first date was in the staff lounge watching A League of Their Own.
How did your time at camp shape who you are today?
Camp Yavneh is where I met my husband of more than 20 years, Steve Shimshak (K ’94). Steve grew up Orthodox, and I grew up Conservative. Yavneh’s pluralistic environment created a space where we could meet and connect in a way that might not have happened elsewhere.
Pluralism has remained a central part of my life ever since. Yavneh taught me to feel comfortable in many different Jewish settings and helped shape the way I engage with Jewish community today.
Professionally, my first job in the Jewish world was leading the Cornerstone Fellowship at the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Later, after moving to Boston, I worked at Gann Academy for Jonny G., bringing another Yavneh connection full circle.
In 2021, Steve served as Head of Lower Camp, and our family spent the entire summer at Yavneh. Bringing our twin daughters to Gan felt like a true full-circle moment.
Did you make lasting friendships during your time at camp?
Absolutely. Many of my closest friendships began at Yavneh, especially with the K ’92 group. We’ve stayed connected through different stages of life, celebrating holidays together and supporting one another through everything from birthdays to major life milestones.
Did a camp counselor or staff member have a lasting influence on you?
Debbie Sussman, Estelle Gomolka, and Rabbi Dov Lerea all had a profound impact on me. Rabbi Dov officiated our wedding and spent a year helping Steve and me prepare for marriage. His guidance continues to influence us more than two decades later.
Joel Sussman also holds a special place in our story—he sang us down the aisle, which was especially meaningful because I was such a devoted Safam fan.
Over the years, Yavneh taught me leadership, teamwork, programming, and mentorship. Whether serving as Rosh Plugah during Maccabiah or helping with camp programming, the skills I learned there continue to serve me both professionally and as a parent.
What advice would you give current campers and staff?
Keep making memories and keep the masoret alive. Learn about the camp’s history and traditions. Understanding where Yavneh has come from will help you appreciate your own experience and contribute meaningfully to its future.