Favorite Camp Meal: Mexican-style dinner Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Bein Hachanichim Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The Trope Benches
Hello, I’m Julia! I’ve been coming to Camp since 2016 (Gesher ’18), and this summer is going to be amazing. I love making music, and I can’t wait to share the magic of Camp with my campers. I’m originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and now live in New York City, where I’m getting my MA in Jewish Education at JTS.
“Ramah Darom is my Jewish home in the South. Coming from Alabama, Camp has always been my haven.”
Rosh Nitzanim
Benjamin Greyber
Favorite Camp Meal & Snack: Friday night chicken and cholent at Shabbat staff limmud Favorite Camp Song or Dance: He Rak Rotzah Lirkod, and I love all Camp dances Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Beit Am Basketball Courts (The Cheese Grater)
Hi, I’m Benjamin. This will be my 12th summer at Ramah Darom. I was a camper for 7 years (Gesher ’18), and this will be my 5th summer on staff. I was born in Los Angeles and now live in Greensboro, NC. I’m a rising senior at UNCG, studying elementary education. After Camp, I plan to finish my degree and graduate. I can’t wait for an amazing summer with all my campers!
“Ramah Darom has been a home to me for over 12 years and has given me so many opportunities to grow.”
Rosh Sollelim
Hannah Feldstein
Favorite Camp Meal: Friday night dinner Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Drishat Shalom Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The Waterfall
Hello, I’m Hannah! I’ve been coming to Camp since 2011 (Gesher ’18). I grew up in Atlanta, GA, and I’ve been living in Israel for the past five years. This coming year, I hope to travel and get my EMT license.
“Ramah Darom is my happy place. I am where I am now because of the experiences and things I learned at Camp and I can’t wait to be back.”
Rosh Halutzim
Bradley Lesserson
Favorite Camp Meal & Snack: Wing night and the peach cart Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Divooneh Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Outdoor Basketball Courts (The Grash)
Hi, I’m Bradley! I was born in Manhattan and now live in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. I’m currently a junior at Tulane University, majoring in history and preparing to take the LSAT. This will be my 12th summer at Ramah Darom—8 as a camper and 3 on staff. After Camp, I’m heading to New York to visit my brother. I’m so ready for an incredible summer and especially excited for the opportunity to be a Rosh.
“Ramah, to me, means a place where someone can connect with other Jews, learn to be part of a Jewish community, and grow and mature in a space that fosters inclusivity and the most fun environment.”
Rosh Kochavim
Deborah Faerman
Favorite Camp Meal & Snack: Wednesday night cookout and the peach cart Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Shir Nehama Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Ma’argam and Gan Randy
Hi, I’m Deborah! This will be my 14th summer at Ramah Darom—including Kayitz Babayit (Summer at Home)—and I was Gesher ’20. I’m most excited to say “Kochavim” twice every time we sing Rad Hayom. I’m originally from Boca Raton, Florida, and I currently live in Orlando, where I’m studying biology (not pre-med!) at the University of Central Florida. After Camp, I’ll head into my senior year at UCF (#goknights), and if you ask me what happens after graduation… I’ll just stare at you blankly.
“Ramah Darom is the place where I feel the happiest. It is such a unique and indescribable feeling to be a part of something that only people who have experienced Camp can truly understand. ”
Rosh Shoafim
Elijah Weinstein (Eli)
Favorite Camp Meal: I love the matzah ball soup on Friday night Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Poh Zeh Europa Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The Medurah
Hello, I’m Eli. This will be my 11th summer at Ramah Darom, 5th on staff (Gesher ’19). I’m looking forward to making connections with the chanichim, having fun, learning Torah, and making memories. I’m from Raleigh, NC, and currently live in NYC, where I’m studying at JTS and Columbia.
“Ramah Darom is a place where I am reminded of most important things, and it has become a way for me to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
Rosh Nachshonim
Raphael Ivker (Raffi)
Favorite Camp Meal: Biscuits and soysausage Favorite Camp Song or Dance: The one from 2022 🙂 Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Top of the Alpine Tower
Hi, I’m Rafi. I’m from Birmingham, Alabama, but I currently live in Washington, D.C., where I attend George Washington University. This will be my 11th summer, 5th on staff (Gesher ’19). I am really excited to be Rosh Nachshonim and to see the junior counselors, who were my former campers when they were in Gesher, grow and take charge as young leaders and role models this summer. After Camp, I will finish my senior year, after which I intend to attend rabbinical school.
“Ramah Darom is a second home to me. It is where I met some of my closest friends and it is where I most feel an active, passionate love for Judaism around me.”
Rosh Nivonim
Mayah Bernstein
Favorite Camp Meal: Grilled cheese Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Lo Normali Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The Chicken Coops
Hello, I’m Mayah. This will be my 14th summer at Ramah Darom, 5th on staff. I’m really excited to be a Rosh this summer! It’s a whole new position for me, and I am looking forward to making meaningful connections with campers and staff. I’m from West Palm Beach, Florida, and I am currently an English major at Barnard College in New York City.
“Ramah Darom has shaped me into the person that I am today. I’ve been coming to Camp for a long time now and each summer I learn and gain so much.”
Rosh Gesher
Sam Bernstein
Favorite Camp Meal: Classic deli Shabbat lunch Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Divooneh Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Gesher Hill—of course!
Hi, I’m Sam! I am so excited to be Rosh Gesher for Kayitz (Summer) 2025. This will be my 12th summer at Ramah Darom. I was a camper for 6 years (Gesher ’17), went on Seminar in 2018, and returned as staff starting in 2019. I’m from Boynton Beach, FL. I graduated from UCF in December, and this past semester, I was a madrich at Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim. After this summer, I’m moving to the Big Apple, NYC!
“Ramah Darom is where I go to hang out with my friends, learn new life skills, and develop my Jewish identity.”
Meet the 2025 Rashei Anaf (Specialty Heads)
Rosh Tipus (Climbing)
Shahar Shriki
Favorite Camp Snack: Rabbi David Weizman’s pickles Favorite Camp Dance: Yehe Shlama Raba Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Top of The Alpine Tower
Shalom, I’m Shahar from Israel! I’m from Ofakim, and I now live in Jerusalem. I’m a 3rd-year Mishlachat, and I can’t wait for another awesome summer of tipus. After Camp, I’ll be traveling a bit and then starting University.
“Ramah Darom is my home in the USA!”
Rosh Mayim (Water)
Devorah Leff
Favorite Camp Snack: Mac and cheeseeee Favorite Camp Dance: Basa Sababa Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The Waterfall
Shalom, I’m Devorah, from Jerusalem. I’m currently working as a madricha on programs that bring American high schoolers to Israel. This will be my 4th summer at Ramah Darom. I’m most excited to check out the new and improved lakefront. After Camp, I’m heading to Colorado, then traveling in the East for a few months before starting a mechina program back in Israel. Can’t wait for an amazing summer!
“Ramah Darom to me means friends who are like family, and getting to fully express my Jewish identity.”
Rosh Machnaut (Camping)
Noam Hasson
Favorite Camp Meal: All the good ones! Favorite Camp Dance: Lo Normali Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The MAK Shack
Shalom, I’m Noam, from Ness Ziona. This will be my 4th summer at Ramah Darom, and I’m excited for the new building and staff lounge! After Camp, I’m going to Colorado, and then I’m flying to the east to travel for a few months.
“To me, Ramah Darom means Jewish connection! ”
Rosh Sport
Ido Cohen
Favorite Camp Meal: Wednesday BBQ Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Daber Iti Hofesh Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The Lake and especially The Blob!
Shalom, I’m Ido, from Haifa, Israel. This is going to be my 2nd summer at Ramah Darom, but it feels like I’ve been here for a long time. I just finished applying to University, and after Camp, I plan to travel before starting college. I’m super excited to see all the campers and have fun with everyone, but I’m most excited about Yom Sport!
“Ramah Darom for me is a place were you can be yourself and log out from all the outside world problems.”
Rosh Omanut (Art)
Daniel Fany Elbaz
Favorite Camp Meal: The meatballs with red sauce from stoneg 2023 Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Crazy Frog Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Side Kikar
Shalom, I’m Dun. I’m from Israel, and I currently live in Beer Sheva. This will be my 3rd year at Camp as a part of the mishlachat staff, and I’m excited to work with my friends and represent Israel. I recently finished studying for the psychometric test, and now I work in a civil engineering office—I draw bridges and drainage channels. After Camp, I’m planning a short stop in New York and then back home to get ready for university.
“Ramah Darom is a home away from home. A place where I can be myself.”
Rosh Media Arts
Ori Salzerberg
Favorite Camp Meal: Cheesy grits Favorite Camp Song or Dance: We choose the best new Israeli songs for the Camp videos Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: All around Camp, and especially the Amphitheater during rikud
Shalom, I’m Ori, Creative Director of Meaningful Media, a production company specializing in storytelling through film and music, and the new Director of Education at Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta, GA. I’ve been coming to spend my summers at Ramah Darom since 2016 and attending year-round retreats with my family since 2017. I’m looking forward to another meaningful experience and getting to know my team.
“Ramah Darom is an exciting community, where I feel alive and deeply joyful.”
Rosh Musica (Music)
Nadav Weizman
Favorite Camp Meal: Chicken soup when the matzah balls are juuuuust right! Favorite Camp Song Dance: Basa Sababa Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Platform of the obstacle course closest to the kikar with a beautiful view of the lake
Hi, I’m Nadav. I’m from Clearwater, Florida, and currently live in Orlando. I’m a student at the University of Central Florida, and this will be my 12th summer at Ramah Darom (Gesher ’19). As Rosh Musica this summer, I’m most excited to sing with everyone and daven Mincha in the BK every day. After Camp, I’ll head back to UCF.
“Ramah Darom is the foundation of my Jewish identity and where I’ve met my favorite people.”
Rosh Drama
Samuel Gelman
Favorite Camp Snack: I’m excited to find out Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Looking forward to learning them all Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The stage
Shalom, I’m Sameul. Raised in New Jersey and now living my best rabbinic life in New York, I’ve spent the past four summers at Ramah in the Berkshires and am thrilled to join the Ramah Darom community this year. I can’t wait to meet everyone and help bring some incredible shows to life. After the summer, I’m looking forward to quality time with my wife and our one-year-old daughter.
“Ramah means letting Judaism permeate into every aspect of an amazing summer.”
Rosh Ivrit (Hebrew)
Chana Mayer
Favorite Camp Snack: Morning coffee Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Tov Li B’Machane Ramah Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Pizza Patio in the afternoon
Shalom, I’m Chana. I’m from Israel and now live in Atlanta, and work as a Sunday School Director. I’ve been coming to Ramah Darom with my husband and children since 2017 and have been on staff since 2018. I’m most excited about Shabbat at Camp this summer and teaching our kehillah new Hebrew words every day.
“Ramah Darom is my second home!”
Rosh Yahadut (Judaics)
Leslie Wachter
Favorite Camp Meal: The salad bar Favorite Camp Song or Dance: I love them all Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: I’m usually running around Camp, but I love erev Shabbat after dinner!
Hi, I’m Leslie. Originally from Ohio, I have lived in Atlanta for 33 years. When I’m not at Camp, I’m a library media specialist in a private school for K-8. This will be my 13th summer at Ramah Darom.
“Ramah Darom is my and my children’s summer home. It’s a place where we make unforgettable memories with friends and grow Jewishly together.”
Rosh Tefillah (Prayer)
Rabbi Josh Hearshen (Rabbi Josh)
Favorite Camp Meal: Fried chicken Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Turkish Kiss Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: I can’t think of just one
Shalom, I’m Rabbi Josh! I’m from Detroit, MI, and now live in Atlanta, GA, where I’m the Rabbi of Or VeShalom. This will be my 8th summer at Ramah Darom, and I’m most excited to see the joy of Camp on the campers’ faces.
“Ramah Darom is our summer home. It is a years worth of exercise in one day. It is the place I go to fill my cup for the rest of the year. It is where Judaism lives and thrives.”
Rosh Kef (Fun)
Sam Feldstein
Favorite Camp Meal: Grilled cheese 100% Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Lo Normali Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: The Lake
Hi, I’m Sam Feldstein, and I’m Rosh Kef (Fun) this summer—focused on staff programming and support. I’m originally from Atlanta, and I’m currently at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, studying mechanical engineering. This is my 14th summer at Ramah Darom (Gesher ’19), and I can’t wait to get started! I’m really looking forward to getting to know the staff and planning some awesome programs together. After Camp, I’ll be heading back to school.
“To me, Ramah Darom is both a community and a home. I can always count on my Ramah Darom family.”
Rosh Mishlachat (Israeli Staff Cohort)
Talya Danino – Tushka
Favorite Camp Meal: Mac and cheese, and the brownies Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Turkish Kiss Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Tipus and the Tennis Courts
Shalom, I’m Tushka from Israel! This will be my 3rd summer at Ramah Darom, and I can’t wait to see my campers in Gesher. After Camp, I’ll be traveling with friends before heading back to Israel.
“Ramah Darom is a second home to me. ”
Rosh Gan
Ariel Raggs
Favorite Camp Meal: The last night of Camp’s turkey and gravy Favorite Camp Song or Dance: Hamalach Hagoel Favorite Place to Hang Out at Camp: Gan Randy
Hi, I’m Ariel, and I’m in charge of the daycare for staff children this summer. I’m from Atlanta and have just completed a dual degree in Law and Public Policy, as well as International Affairs. This will be my 9th summer at Ramah Darom—4 as a camper (Gesher ’19) and my 5th on staff. After Camp, I’ll be studying for the LSAT. I’m most excited to start each day with a morning trip to the pool and can’t wait for another amazing summer in the Ramah bubble.
“For me, Camp is a chance to relax. I get to take a break from my regular routine, and I get the opportunity to be Jewish without effort.”
Julia Goldberg
Samuel Gelman
