Young Judaea
David Weinstein – Executive Director
David started in Young Judaea as a camper at Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake the year it opened in 1976. He was a camper, kitchen boy, madrich and merakez at Camp Tel Yehudah as well as the former National Administrative Vice President and Education Director of Young Judaea. He attended Young Judaea Year Course 1982-83. During his 17 year “vacation” from YJ, David was a high school teacher, family educator, curriculum developer and educational consultant. He graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) with a degree in Judaic Studies and Political Science and has a master’s degree in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also studied Jewish texts at Machon Pardes in Jerusalem. David met his wife, Amy, at Sprout Lake in 1976 and their two children, Mikaela and Kira, are now Judaeans as well. David returned as Director of Tel Yehudah in 2007 and is a graduate of the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Executive Leadership Institute as well as a recipient of the Innovator Award from the Legacy Heritage Fund.
Suzanne Margolis – Associate Director
Suzanne is the Associate Director at Tel Yehudah, bringing a wealth of experience from the world of Jewish and Israel youth education and programming. After graduating from Binghamton University with dual degrees in English Literature and Business Administration, she spent one year teaching English in Israel through the Masa Israel Teaching Fellows Program. Her professional journey includes four years working with Young Judaea in Israel, where she began as a madricha and eventually became the Tel Aviv Experience Manager for the Year Course program. In 2022, she joined Tel Yehudah’s full-time team, building on over 10 summers of camp experience, including her role as Rosh Machane at Tel Yehudah. Currently participating in the Yitro Leadership Program through Foundation for Jewish Camps, Suzanne is excited to bring her learnings back to her work at Tel Yehudah. She is passionate about working with Jewish teens, dedicated to creating meaningful connections to Judaism and Israel through engaging and transformative experiences.
Noah Wilker – Operations Director
Noah has spent the past 18 years participating in and working for Young Judaea. While growing up in New Jersey, he was involved in year round activities, attending both Camp Sprout Lake and Camp Tel Yehudah, and spent time in Israel on Machon in 1996 and Young Judaea Year Course (1998-1999). He attended Hofstra University and after graduating returned to Young Judaea, signing on as the Area Supervisor of the New York/Long Island regions. In 2008 Noah was hired full time by Camp Tel Yehudah as Operations Director. After years spent there as a camper and many summers working there, for him it was the perfect fit, and an opportunity to return to a place that he refers to as a “second home”. In his spare time Noah plays music around the Northeast and has recorded three albums. Playing music is a passion he also brings to camp, especially as a staple feature of our weekly Saturday night program!
Joel Srebrenick – Director of Administration and Engagement
Joel Srebrenick is thrilled to be a full time member of the Camp Tel Yehudah team. Tel Yehudah is a place that has been a significant part of his life for over 15 years as both a camper and seasonal staff member. With a passion for Jewish youth engagement and a deep connection to Young Judaea, Joel brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to his new role. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Joel spent several years developing innovative programs with Young Judaea Year Course in Israel, where he served in multiple leadership roles including Director of Special Programs and Tel Aviv Experience Manager. Now, coming full circle back to Tel Yehudah, Joel is excited to contribute to the camp’s mission and continue the legacy that shaped his own Jewish journey.
Marisa Abrahams – Camp Administrator
Marisa is thrilled to serve as Camp Administrator at Camp Tel Yehudah. After Year Course, she served in the IDF’s Caracal Battalion and later led Birthright trips with Israel Outdoors, experiences that deepened her connection to Israel, Jewish leadership, and immersive Jewish education. She has guided teens on outdoor adventures across the U.S. and internationally, bringing over 15 years of expertise in experiential education, program leadership, and risk management. Along with EMT and Wilderness First Responder training, Marisa holds a BS in Outdoor Education from the University of New Hampshire and an MA in Adventure Education from Prescott College. At Tel Yehudah, she manages camper and family communications, enrollment and development data systems, and the summer camp office. She approaches her work with energy and curiosity, supporting meaningful and empowering experiences for every member of the camp community. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, canoeing, playing board games, knitting, and traveling.
Jim Kern – Caretaker
Sullivan County born and raised, Jim Kern joined the Tel Yehudah team in 2021. Jim is not only talented at caring for our facility, but is also an integral part of the community who will go above and beyond to keep everyone at camp healthy, safe, and happy.