Mrs. Rookie Gross
Camp Director
Mrs. Rookie Gross, and her husband Judah and children live in Passaic,NJ. Mrs.Gross has been running camps since 2003 when she opened and directed the first day camp in Waterbury, CT. Mrs. Gross opened Camp Acheinu in 2013 and has watched it grow every year since. Currently the camp has over 250 boys and is growing every summer, B"H the camp has seen tremendous growth over the years and has two or three bunks per grade. Mrs Gross also worked as a 1st grade General Studies teacher for close to 20 years. Since moving to NJ over a decade ago, Mrs. Gross taught at RYNJ and YBH. Mrs. Gross feels strongly that the summer is a time where campers can grow & thrive in ways that they cannot do during the school year, and she is passionate about providing an outstanding camp experience in a Torah-dik environment for all the campers & staff.
Rabbi David Pietruszka
Assistant to the Director
& Head Counselor
Rabbi David Pietruszka lives in Bergenfield with his wife and children. He has been working in Camp Acheinu since 2015, first as a Rebbi/counselor, next as a Division Head, and now as Assistant to the Director and Head Counselor. During the year RabbI Pietruszka teaches at JEC's elementary school in Elizabeth. Rabbi P (as he is known in camp) and serves as head of the Youth Department in a local shul. He has a warm and gentle personality and tries to get to know every camper. Rabbi Pietruszka is well-liked by the staff and meets with them daily to review the daily schedule and give them advice about anything they may need. He is a great parent liaison and does his best to ensure that the needs of each camper are met at camp.
Rabbi eli
baum
Division Head
Grades 1-2
Rabbi Eli Baum serves as the Dean of Students of Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan where he helps support students across grades 1-8 socially and academically. He currently lives in Teaneck with his wife and children. Rabbi Baum has over 15 years of experience working in camps throughout NY and NJ, including the Diamond Summer Program in Far Rockaway. Rabbi Baum is our beloved 1st & 2nd grade Division Head, and loves connecting with all of his campers. We are so fortunate to have Rabbi Baum on staff and bring his talents
and experience to Camp Acheinu!
Rabbi Elie Rothberger
Division Head
Grade 3
Rabbi Elie Rothberger is a a beloved 3rd grade Rebbi in YBH for many years and has been working in Camp Acheinu since 2015. He has served in several positions over the years in camp, and is currently our 3rd and 4th grade Division Head. Rabbi Rothberger has been an integral part of expanding our league program, making it more organized and efficient for the boys. Rabbi Rothberger is also a master storyteller and can keep the campers mesmerized with his fascinating stories. He enjoys connecting with the campers and can be found schmoozing with campers and staff alike. Rabbi Rothberger is an integral part of Camp Acheinu. We are so lucky to have him.
Rabbi Yoni Ference
Division Head
Grade 4
Rabbi Yoni Ference currently lives in Passaic, NJ with his wife and children. Rabbi Ference has held many positions in camps, most recently as a head counselor in Camp Machanayim, in Yerushalayim. He joined Camp Acheinu in 2022 and served as a Camp Rebbe as well as a 4th Grade Division Head. His easygoing, warm, and friendly personality make him well liked by his campers. He can be found on the field playing sports with his campers. During the year Rabbi Ference is a 4th grade Rebbi in RYNJ.
Rabbi dovid
Besser
Senior Division Head
Grades 5-7
Rabbi Dovid Besser grew up going to Camp Munk and worked in Camp Simcha for several summers before getting married and moving to Passaic. Rabbi Besser currently works as a 5th grade Rebbe at YBH of Passaic and worked in several local camps before becoming our oldest boys’ Division Head in 2021. His creativity and warmth enable him to connect to every boy and bring out the best in them. His complete devotion to each camper guarantees an incredible experience for all of those lucky enough to be in his division. Rabbi Besser serve as Division Head of our 5th, 6th and 7th grade campers.
Rabbi Ariel Schreier
Program Director
Rabbi Ariel Schreier lives in Fair Lawn, NJ with his wife and chilrend. He joined Camp Acheinu as our Program Director in the Summer of 2023. Rabbi Schreier previously worked as a division head and chinuch staff in different sleepaway camps where he was able to engage with the campers using both his formal and informal educational skills. Rabbi Schreier brings tremendous ruach and talent to Camp Acheinu and has enhanced our programs, making them both meaningful and fun, while giving the campers an opportunity to build their middos.
He is currently a 3rd grade Rebbe and math teacher at RYNJ, and he spends his after school hours developing and running the virtual “Mishna Accomplished” program.
Rabbi Nosson Silbermintz
Learning Director
Rabbi Nosson Silbermnitz has been working as the Learning Director in Camp Acheinu since its inception in 2013. Rabbi Silbermintz is a beloved 7th grade Rebbi at The Clifton Cheder during the school year and also runs a popular teen Minyan in Passaic on Shabbos. Rabbi Silbermintz's warm personality makes him beloved by all who get to know him.
Rabbi Silbermintz hires top Rebbeim from local Yeshivas and work with them to create a balanced curriculum while ensuring the boys enjoy the learning by incorporating contests throughout the summer.Camp Acheinu is very blessed to have Rabbi Silbermintz as part of our staff.