About us
J.Academy Camp Director
Hi Guys, My name is Kate Abazov and I come from Israel, which has been my home for the past 16 years, and hold two academic degrees in international relations and diplomacy. For the past six years, I have been working in informal Jewish educational programs, facilitating teen groups in summer camps and creating seminars for international groups visiting Israel.
From my scope of work, you might have guessed that the most exciting period for me is the summer break, when I get the chance to work and participate in summer camps all over the world! I've worked in Jewish teen camps in Ukraine, Israel and the United States. All of my hobbies are represented by J.Academy Camp’s Faculties. As for other hobbies, I love listening to music, especially on long and scenic rides, going on interactive book tours, visiting new places and hosting friends.
Kate Abazov
This is my second year in Toronto – my temporary home and creative workplace – where I will continue working on Russian-speaking initiatives at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and bringing new programs into partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel. So, friends, get ready, because J.Academy opens its doors this August! And the best part is it won’t close them for a moment! You will have a chance to enroll in existing programs all through the school year. I hope to meet all of you very soon at camp and see you throughout the year at our events. Have a great summer!
Dina Dryden
Hi everybody!
My name is Dina Dryden and I’m the incoming Associate Director of J.Academy. This is super-exciting for me, since I have been involved with J.Academy Camp when it was only an idea. I lead the Rimon Leadership Course in its very first year, when we began to build the J.Academy we know and love today.
As part of my new role, I coordinate the camp staff through Rimon. Here’s a little bit about me: I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and lived in Israel for 11 years before moving to Toronto. Moving around has made me love travelling and I take any chance I get to go back to Russia and Israel and to discover a new place around the globe! I studied at the University of Toronto and earned a specialist degree in Physical Education and Health (AKA kinesiology) with a minor in Jewish Studies. When it comes to the Jewish community, I’ve been around the block: I have been involved in Toronto’s Jewish community for the past 9 years in different community organizations as a camp counselor, youth-group leader, homework club coordinator and instructor for seniors’ programs.
I hope to see you at camp this year and share with you my excitement and love for this unique initiative!
J.Academy Camp Associate Director
Ilia Rabkin
Hi, my name Ilia Rabkin and I'm the emissary to the Russian - Speaking programs of Toronto. My place of birth is Novosibirks, Russian after which I moved to Israel at the age of 10, where I lived for the past 17 years. After finishing my B.A in Political Science, I decided to pursue my combined hobbies of teaching, learning and traveling, in joining the team of J.projects.
I'm super excited for this year, to help with the strengthening of the Russian - Speaking Jewish community of Toronto.
Youth Emissary (Shaliach) to J.Projects
Yelena Gordon
J. Projects Program Administrator