Our Staff
Rabbi Jill Levy, Director
Rabbi Jill Levy joined the Camp Ramah in New England staff in September 2019. Rabbi Jill joined CRNE after five years as Rabbi at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC in Houston, where she also served as Director of their largest day camp, Camp Kaleidoscope. Rabbi Jill spent three summers on staff at Ramah Darom and one summer on staff at Ramah Nyack. Prior to her position at the Houston JCC, Rabbi Jill was Director of Congregational Learning at Herzl-Ner Tamid in Mercer Island, WA. Rabbi Jill received her ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2011. While in rabbinical school, she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow and served as student rabbi in several different congregations. In addition, she completed a summer of clinical pastoral education at St. Luke’s and Texas Children’s Hospitals in Houston. Rabbi Jill also earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University. She currently lives in Rockville with her husband, Matt, and two daughters (and eager campers), Nava and Miri. In her free time, you can find her running or bike riding on one of the many trails in the D.C. area.
Sharon Rosenberg Safra, Associate Director
A Bowie, Maryland native, Sharon Rosenberg Safra received her BA in Judaic Studies from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Jewish Education from the Davidson Graduate School of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Sharon worked as the yoetzet (camper care specialist & parent liaison) at Ramah Day Camp in its opening summer and served as the Family Education Director at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville from 2003 to 2016. Prior to 2003, Sharon worked as a Hillel professional, synagogue Program Director, and Regional USY Director. She and her husband, Rabbi Michael Safra, are the proud parents of three Ramah alumni – Rebecca, Ethan, and Gila. Sharon believes strongly in the power of community and enjoys her work building a diverse summer kehillah each year. When not at work or with her family, you can often find Sharon cooking, exercising or reading.
Zach Krausman, Registrar & Operations Coordinator
Zach is new to the DC area coming from Omaha, NE. A lifelong Ramahnik, Zach was a camper at Ramah Darom for 8 summers and spent 5 summers on staff. He recently graduated from Florida State University where he studied mathematics and computer science. In his free time, Zach enjoys watching football (Kansas City Chiefs) and playing guitar.
Erin Sudow Willcher, Program Director
Erin has been a part of the Ramah Day Camp summer team for the past three years and is excited to join the year-round team. Previously, she served as Rosh Communication and Yoetzet. Erin is also a youth advisor at B’nai Israel Congregation for 3rd-5th graders. Prior to joining the Ramah staff, she was a marketing and communications professional for over 15 years. Erin earned both a BA and MBA from American University. She currently lives in Rockville with her husband Ben and three children (current and future campers) Emma, Reese and Miles. During her free time, Erin loves doing all things Peloton, traveling, reading, and watching reality TV.
Adrienne Ostroman, Tikvah Director
Adrienne is very excited to be joining the Ramah community this summer! Originally from New York, Adrienne received her BA in Psychology from SUNY Binghamton and her MA from the CUNY in Developmental Psychology. Adrienne has over 10 years working with children and their families in a variety of roles, always working to make sure each child is seen and and set up for success. Adrienne’s goal is to create an inclusive, fun, and supportive environment for all campers and ensure that all campers are able to reach their full potential. Outside of camp, Adrienne lives in Rockville with her husband and 2 daughters, one who attends Ramah and one who will in the future. When not spending time with her family, Adrienne enjoys baking and trips to NYC for broadway shows.
Chana Penini, Head of Israel Education & Rosh Sha’ar
Chana is very excited to join the Ramah community alongside her three children, Noa, Kobe, and Gavi! Chana’s previous Jewish day camp roles include Science Specialist, Jewish culture Specialist and Assistant Program Director from camps across the country including Long Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. During the year, Chana is a Special Education high school teacher. She earned her degree in Special Education from Hunter College in 2013 while participating in AmeriCorps’ New York City Teaching Fellows program. Before becoming an educator, Chana spent time in Israel working with Camp Young Judaea’s Year Course, a post-high school gap year program. In her free time, Chana enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and reading.
Rabbi Ed Gelb, CEO, Ramah New England
Billing & Financial Aid
Ed Pletman
Chief Operating Officer, Ramah New England
Kolby Purcell
Director of Finance, Ramah New England
George Burns
Finance Associate, Ramah New England