Professional Staff
Rachael Schertzer, Executive Director
518-438-7858 ext. 110
tidirector@tialbany.org
518-438-7858 ext. 110
tidirector@tialbany.org
Rachael Schertzer (nee Woren) grew up in the Albany area and has been an active member of the Albany Jewish community all of her life. She was an active member of NCSY a high school youth group and Shabbos House while she attended SUNY Albany; she served in leadership capacities for both groups. Rachael earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Judaic Studies from SUNY Albany in 2008, her Master’s Degree in Teaching Hebrew from Brandeis University in 2009 and graduated from the Middlebury Vermont Hebrew Immersion Program in the summer of 2009.
Rachael returned to Albany and again stepped up to be involved in our local Jewish community. Rachael worked at the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District and served as Temple Israel’s Program Director and as Assistant Director of Temple Israel’s Camp Givah. Additionally, Rachael is an active member of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York’s Board of Directors, is the immediate past Chair of the NextDor Cabinet, which is JFed’s Young Adult group, and was the 2009 recipient of the Myrtle F. Berman Covenant Award.
Jenn Trippany, Marketing Coordinator & Office Assistant
518-438-7858 ext. 112
marketing@tialbany.org
518-438-7858 ext. 112
marketing@tialbany.org
I moved to Albany from downstate NY in 1995 to attend SUNY Albany where I majored in Spanish and Italian language, civilization and culture. I met my husband in my third year of college, and he soon began working for Albany Fire Department. Since then, I’ve worked in various customer service positions for insurance companies, marketing research and translation agencies. I love the opportunity to learn new things and meet new people (and I like to talk. A LOT). In addition to working at TI, I hold down a full-time job of “Momming” three teenagers – all of whom are active athletes, playing lacrosse, ice hockey and soccer!
Herut Admasu, Development and Program Coordinator
518-438-7858 ext. 117
timain@tialbany.org
Herut is no stranger to the Temple Israel Family as she has been with our synagogue in various different roles over the years. From a former Hebrew Immersion teacher, to an ECC Teacher and a current TIY (Temple Israel Youth) Leader she is seen with the children more often than not. Herut is excited to oversee Camp Givah this year in her current role with Temple Israel. Herut holds a Masters in Non-Profit Management from the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program of Brandeis University.
Lakota Lustig, Camp Givah Director: programs@tialbany.orgReturning for his second season as Camp Givah's director, Lakota brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Lakota is a lifelong member of the Albany Jewish community and spent many summers at Camp Givah, having been brought up at Temple Israel. He knows that what makes Givah so special is the Ruach, sense of community, and Jewish themes that run through all of the fun in the sun. Lakota also brings strong organizational and logistical experience earned through working in management positions, as well as experience as a Hebrew school teacher in the Albany community. Lakota is currently working on his Bachelors in Education from Arizona State University. Lakota is an avid Torah scholar and guitarist and finds joy in reading and playing with his two year old pup, Eden. Lakota Lustig is excited to bring this multifaceted skill set to create memorable experiences at Camp Givah as part of the team with Herut Admasu, True Haynes, and the entire 2025 Machaneh Givah staff.
Mon, June 16 2025 20 Sivan 5785