Meet Our Senior Staff

Rabbi David and Basi Shenker, Founding Directors
Rabbi Shenker has been at the helm of Camp Nageela since it’s inception in 1988. His vision of creating a top notch summer camp, staffed by young men and women who exude positiveenergy and a passion for Jewish life has blossomed into the three camps of the Nageela Jewish Experiences network that he currently guides. Rabbi Shenker’s stated goal for camping is to strive for each camper to get the maximum enjoyment and benefit from camp. His recipe is for each day in camp to have generous amounts of physical fun, positive social relationships and intellectual stimulation.

With degrees in engineering and rabbinics, combined with his expertise in informal Jewish education honed by years as director of Jewish Education Program (JEP) of Long Island, and thirty years of camping experience, he is particularly suited to lead this most innovative camp movement.

Rabbi Mordechai Shenker, Director
Mordechai grew up in Camp Nageela. He started from the bottom and worked his way up, from assisting in maintenance, to canteen, to junior counselor, counselor, division head and then Assistant Director.

As Assistant Director, he spearheaded the American Camp Association certification process, and the continued upgrading of our program.

Safety first, then fun and growth, are his priorities.