ABOUT OUR STAFF
Mrs. Rookie Gross, Camp Director
Mrs. Rookie Gross has been a leader in Torah day camps for over 20 years, both in Connecticut and New Jersey. Mrs. Gross opened Camp Acheinu in 2013 and Chasdei Hashem has watched its success and growth ever since. Previously, Mrs.Gross worked as a beloved 1st grade teacher for over 15 years, most recently in RYNJ and YBH. Mrs. Gross is passionate about providing an outstanding camp experience in a Torah-dik environment and is grateful to the parents and staff who make this a reality every summer.
Rabbi David Pietruszka,
Head Counselor and Assistant to the Director
Rabbi David Pietruszka has been working in Camp Acheinu since 2015, and serves as our Head Counselor and Assistant Director. Rabbi P taught in JEC for over 15 years. Currently he is the coordinator of the B'derech program in TABC and the Youth Director of Beis Medrash of Bergenfield. Rabbi P’s warm disposition, attention to detail, and strong communication skills make him an excellent leader.
Rabbi Eli Baum, 1st and 2nd Grade Division Head
Rabbi Eli Baum, Dean of Students of Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan, has over 15 years of experience working in day camps throughout NY and NJ, including the Diamond Summer Program in Far Rockaway. With his incredible patience & care, enthusiasm, and lively personality, Rabbi Baum brings loads of positive energy to each day at camp. Rabbi Baum serves as the 1st- 2nd grade Division Head and a Rebbi in camp.
Rabbi Elie Rothberger, 3rd Grade Division Head
Rabbi Elie Rothberger, who has been with Camp Acheinu since 2015, serves as our 3th grade Division Head and a Rebbi in camp. Rabbi Rothberger has the unique ability of exuding the utmost respect and care for each camper while maintaining rules and expectations, which is so important in running an organized camp. During the year, Rabbi Rothberger is a 3rd grade Rebbi in YBH of Passaic, where he has worked for almost two decades and is beloved by all.
Rabbi Yoni Ference, 4th Grade Division Head
Rabbi Yoni Ference, a 4th grade Rebbi in RYNJ, joined Camp Acheinu a few summers ago and currently serves as our 4th grade Division Head and a Rebbi in camp. Rabbi Ference is extremely easy-going, warm and relatable and can be found on the
baseball field playing or schmoozing with the campers. Rabbi Ference is an excellent Division Head, and a wonderful addition
to Camp Acheinu.
Rabbi Dovid Besser, Senior Elite Division Head
Rabbi Dovid Besser, our 5th - 7th grade Division Head, is currently a 5th grade Rebbi in YBH. Rabbi Besser has been involved in camping for many years, first in Camp Munk and then Camp Simcha, before getting involved in day camps in Passaic and Teaneck. He is a Mechanech par excellence, and his warmth, positive energy and complete devotion to each camper make Rabbi Besser a most popular and dear staff member.
Rabbi Ariel Schreier, Program Director
Rabbi Ariel Schreier hails to Camp Acheinu with many years of camp experience, both as a Division Head and Chinuch Staff in several camps. Rabbi Schreier brings tremendous Ruach, talent, and creativity to Camp Acheinu, running daily entertaining and meaningful programs that are not only fun, but also build self confidence and have a focus on Middos Tovos. Rabbi Schreier is currently a 3rd grade Rebbe at RYNJ, and also runs the extremely successful “Mishna Accomplished” program.
Rabbi Nosson Silbermintz, Learning Director
Rabbi Nosson Silbermnitz has been working as our Learning Director since the camp’s inception in 2013. His passion for Chinuch and Limud Torah, charismatic personality, and strong leadership skills are all contributing factors to the highly successful learning program in camp, which is run under Rabbi Silbermintz’s direction. During the year, Rabbi Silbermintz is 7th grade Rebbi at the Clifton Cheder and runs a popular Teen Minyan on Shabbos in Passaic.
Mrs. Ahuva Pomerantz, Office Manager
Mrs. Ahuva Pomerantz has been working in Camp Acheinu since 2015 and serves as our Office Manager. Mrs. Pomerantz has been working in the business management and bookkeeping profession for over 31 years. Mrs. Pomerantz loves to help people and really enjoys working with the Camp Acheinu parents and staff.
