Faculty
Debby Rapps, Director
Debby Rapps is a highly experienced Jewish educator and administrator with a reputation for vision and warm leadership. Debby has been affiliated with the JYEP since its' inception in 1986 and has served as its director for 15 years. Debby earned her BA in Open Education and Jewish Studies from Queens College, CUNY, and her MA in Educational Psychology from Teacher's College, Columbia University. She is currently completing her doctoral studies in Educational Administration from the Azrieli School of Education and Administration, Yeshiva University. Debby and her husband have four sons, two of whom live in Israel and two who live in Teaneck, NJ. Debby believes in offering a Jewish education in a warm and nurturing environment, in which each child is valued and where they leave wanting to further their Jewish education beyond their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Debby infuses the JYEP with a joy and passion for Judaism coupled with a commitment to Jewish education, spirituality and continuity.
Shy Krug, Assistant Director
Shy Krug serves as the JYEP’s multi-talented Assistant Director. His unique blend of musical talent on guitar and keyboard, along with his skill as a magician, adds an element joy and excitement to the weekly communal Kehilla time. Shy brings years of experience working with children, teens and young adults in informal educational settings such as day camps, sleep away camps and leadership training programs. Shy graduated from Yeshiva University with a BA in Psychology and Biology. He is presently a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Adam Pomerantz, Rabbi
Adam Pomerantz hails from Lower Merion, PA, and brings with him much experience in informal education. Reb Adam, as he is known, has a strong passion for Judaism and learning and shares this passion with his students and the parent body. He is well known for the spirited Bar and Bat Mitzvahs he conducts for the students and is much sought after by the many guests who attend. Outside of the JYEP, Reb Adam is studying to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Touro College. Reb Adam lives New York with his wife, Eliana, and their daughter Temima Miriam. His goal is to inspire those around him with songs, stories, and spirituality in an open, welcoming, and entertaining way.