William was born on the farm and raised in Vineland, NJ, where his family have lived since emigrating from Russia and forming the Alliance Colony in 1882. Levin is an animator, composer and was a writer for “Shalom Sesame.” Known for his edgy and innovative work and his ability to create synergies in the Jewish community—much like his great-great grandfather, Alliance Colony leader Moses Bayuk—Levin is returning to his roots by creating ACRe. william@acreboot.org

Wife and partner to William, Malya is a lawyer admitted to the NY and NJ Bars. Malya is Assistant Director and General Counsel at the Weinberg Center for Elder Justice, the nation’s first elder abuse shelter, and serves on the Executive Committee of the NYSBA Elder Law Section. Malya previously worked in the field of Jewish education for four years. Malya uses her legal, educational and community organizing abilities to help build ACRe. malya@acreboot.org

Howard has maintained the Alliance Synagogue for decades, awaiting the day when it would be used again. As soon as William and Malya met Howard, they bonded over their mutual desire to rebuild community on principles of sustainability and Jewish values. Howard has traveled around the world and lived many lives, including years of experience as a farmer and Israeli desert tour guide. Howard joined the ACRe board in 2018. howard@acreboot.org

Ahron is a Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, mycologist and photographer. A career artist in NYC, Ahron is planning the first “Chickenstock” music festival at ACRe. Ahron has been promoting ACRe events from the beginning and joined the board in 2019. ahron@acreboot.org

Dan Pelberg is a Jewish meditation practitioner and teacher having learned with Rabbis and teachers in India, Israel, and the United States. Previously, he developed and led Jewish programming at Brandeis Collegiate Institute and studied at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. He can often be found teaching at Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. Dan recently discovered his roots in Alliance, and joined the ACRe board in 2019. dan@acreboot.org

Nate is a cofounder of the Experimental Farm Network. As a plant breeder and researcher, he is passionate in his pursuit of climate stabilizing perennial staple crops, especially sorghum. Nate ran for U.S. Congress in 2012 and 2018. He has served on the Executive Board of the Project for Nuclear Awareness, the Cumberland County (NJ) Long Term Recovery Group and the Jewish Social Policy Action Network. He is a member of the Seed Advisory Committee of the Non-GMO Project, the Education Committee of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ) and Vice President of GMO Free Pennsylvania.

Yadidya is an Israeli born shochet, aspiring poultry farmer and educator. Yadidya learned at Yeshivas Bas Ayin for 3 years, where he became interested in animal related mitzvos. He later decided to train in shechita so he could shecht his own naturally raised animals. He received his kabbalah (certification) from the honorable Rabbi Yisroel Landsman Z"L. After residing and planning at ACRe House for over a year, Yadidya founded The Kosher Cut and gives in-depth presentations about shechita and provides shechita training. Yadidya now owns and operates Chosen Farms in Pemberton NJ, raising American Standardbred Heritage chickens.

Arthur Kurzweil, ACRe cofounder Malya Levin's father, is an author, publisher, scholar, lecturer, magician and America's foremeost Jewish genealogist. His books include Kabbalah for Dummies, The Torah for Dummies, From Generation to Generation, and On the Road with Rabbi Steinsaltz. Kurzweil is the recipient of the Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the Melton Center of Ohio State University for his unique contributions to the field of Jewish education. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. Arthur has taught many classes at ACRe events.

Sara and Bassie have built a following of young Jewish professionals drawn to their unique brand of Shabbatonim and holiday gatherings. Sara now resides at the ACRe Farmhouse where she and Bassie regularly host events, utilizing the Moses Bayuk House as a backdrop for outdoor camping and bringing new life to the historic Alliance Synagogue across the street.

After working on a biodynamic vineyard in Australia in 2004, Eli Silins started making wine in California in 2013. He has long been interested in sustainable agriculture systems and the intersection of ancient and modern holistic farming practices. In 2019 Eli moved from Berkeley, CA to Philadelphia, PA and took Camuna Cellars with him. He is currently exploring the bounty of the Mid-Atlantic and experimenting with grapes, apples, and honey and their various combinations: wine, cider, mead, cyser and pyment. Eli is teaming up with ACRe to build the Alliance Historic Model Vineyard beginning April 2023.