Deborah Newbrun’s career as a Jewish leader spans more than 30 years. She oversaw all camper programs for 24 years as Tawonga’s beloved Camp Director. She also designed and led Tawonga’s award-winning staff training, in addition to creating Tawonga’s Erev Rosh Hashanah Service, which she leads annually. Twenty years ago, Deborah started Keshet – the first Jewish LGBTQ Family Weekend in the country at Camp Tawonga, which she directs every year.

Her groundbreaking work: Spirit In Nature/Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail, connected Jewish values with environmental values. Deborah now works with innovative Jewish organizations around the country. Currently a rabbinic student, Deborah expects ordination in 2022. She is the 2018 recipient of the most prestigious award in Jewish education: the Covenant Award. Deborah has raised four children, all Tawongans – and lives in Berkeley, CA with her wife Sue, whom she met at Tawonga.