ABOUT OUR STAFF
Mrs. Rookie Gross, Camp Director
Mrs. Rookie Gross has been a leader in Torah day camps for close to twenty-five years, serving communities in Connecticut and New Jersey. In 2013, she founded Camp Acheinu and, B’Chasdei Hashem, has guided its remarkable growth and success ever since. Her genuine warmth, personal care, and exceptional attention to detail are woven into every aspect of camp. Her passion for creating a nurturing, Torah-dik environment is reflected in the beautiful sheim tov that Acheinu has become known for. In 2025, she founded Camp Ashreinu for girls, bringing the same dedication, vision, and commitment to Torah values that have become the hallmarks of Camp Acheinu.
Rabbi David Pietruszka, Head Counselor and Assistant Director
With close to twenty-five years of experience in both formal and informal Jewish education, Rabbi Pietruszka worked at JEC for many years, currently serves at TABC, and has been the beloved Youth Director at BMOB for many years. A trusted leader at Camp Acheinu since 2015, he brings warmth, strong communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail to his role as Head Counselor and Assistant to the Director. Affectionately known as “Rabbi P,” his exceptional patience and gentle demeanor make every camper feel comfortable and cared for.
Rabbi Eli Baum, 1st and 2nd Grade Division Head
Rabbi Eli Baum, Dean of Students at Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan, serves as our 1st–2nd Grade Division Head. With over 15 years of day camp experience, he brings boundless energy, contagious enthusiasm, and exceptional warmth to everything he does. Known for his cheerful personality and genuine attention to every camper, he makes each boy feel valued and special, creating a fun and nurturing environment where our youngest campers thrive!
Rabbi Elie Rothberger, 3rd Grade Division Head
One of Camp Acheinu’s longest-serving staff members, Rabbi Elie Rothberger has been part of the Acheinu family since 2015! A 3rd grade Rebbi at YBH during the school year, he serves as our 3rd Grade Division Head and Rebbe during the summer. Known for his warmth, respect, and caring approach, he creates a nurturing environment where campers feel valued and flourish.
Rabbi Yoni Ference, 4th Grade Division Head
Rabbi Yoni Ference, a 4th grade Rebbi at RYNJ, serves as our 4th Grade Division Head. Warm, approachable, and easy to relate to, he has a natural ability to connect with campers both on the field and throughout the camp day. His friendly personality, positive attitude, and genuine interest in each camper make him a beloved leader among the boys.
Rabbi Dovid Besser, 5th and 6th Grade Division Head
Rabbi Dovid Besser, a 5th grade Rebbi at YBH, leads our Senior Elite Division. Known for his exceptional warmth, thoughtfulness, and genuine devotion to each camper, he goes above and beyond to make every boy feel cared for and valued. His cheerful, outgoing personality, contagious enthusiasm, and love of sports make him a beloved leader who is always ready to join in the fun and bring loads of excitement to every camp day!
Rabbi Avi Greenberg, 7th and 8th Grade Division Head
Rabbi Avi Greenberg brings extensive camp experience from NCSY Kollel and TJJ to our 7th–8th Grade Division. His youthful energy, athleticism, and outgoing personality allow him to connect naturally with our oldest campers. Combining responsible leadership with creativity, enthusiasm, and plenty of fun, he creates a unique “camp within a camp” experience that our older boys love!
Rabbi Ariel Schreier, Program Director
Rabbi Ariel Schreier, a 3rd grade Rebbe at RYNJ and leader of the popular “Mishna Accomplished” program, brings exceptional creativity, talent, and ruach to Camp Acheinu. With his remarkable patience, kind and thoughtful approach, and natural ability to connect with campers of all ages, he creates exciting, meaningful programs that inspire fun, confidence, and growth— programs that boys of all ages eagerly look forward to every day.
Rabbi Nosson Silbermintz, Learning Director
Rabbi Nosson Silbermintz, Menahel of The Cheder of Clifton, has been an integral part of Camp Acheinu since its founding in 2013! His exceptional warmth, calm demeanor, and thoughtful leadership bring something truly special to our camp. With tremendous dedication, he carefully selects and guides our outstanding Rebbeim, creating a well-structured, engaging, and enjoyable learning program where every camper can thrive and grow.
Mrs. Ahuva Pomerantz, Office Manager
Mrs. Ahuva Pomerantz has been a devoted member of the Camp Acheinu family since 2015, bringing over 31 years of experience in business management and bookkeeping to her role as Office Manager. Known for her exceptional patience, kindness, and dedication, she goes above and beyond to assist our camp families. Her genuine love and concern for every camper and family are evident in everything she does—you can feel her warmth and personal care in every email she writes!
