Hey CG!

Today we’re kick starting our ongoing blog series with our summer 2018 leadership staff, or as we call them Hanhallah. Each blog will feature 20 questions in honour of our upcoming 20th summer. Read on below for our Q+A with Director of Jewish Living Deborah “Debs” Blausten.

 

Question #1: What are your goals for summer 2018?

Debs: “To make it onto the ropes course.”

Question #2:What have you created that you are most proud of?

Debs: “I led the team that wrote the siddur for RSY-Netzer, the camp I grew up at. I’m proud that we created something that helps people make meaningful experiences.”

Question #3:What’s your life motto, or philosophy you live by?

Debs: “It’s not your responsibility to complete the work, but neither are you free to do nothing” it’s a teaching by Rabbi Tarfon in the Mishnah.”

Question #4: Favourite part of Maccabiah/colour war?

Debs: “When everyone is dressed up in their team colours and the whole of camp is decorated- the atmosphere is amazing!”

Question #5: What are your favorite hobbies?

Debs: “Netflixing (that’s a verb, right?), being outdoors with friends, exploring new countries and cities.”

Question #6: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Debs: “Australia! They have kangaroos, koalas, sun, and good food.”

Question #:7 If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

Debs: “Playing guitar.”

Question #8: What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?

Debs: “Shavuot, I love being up all night and waiting for the sunrise. In Jerusalem thousands of people go to the western wall and its magical. Also, there is ice cream.”

Question #9: What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?

Debs: “Currently obsessed with watching the slopestyle at the winter olympics.”

Question #10: Do you collect anything?

Debs: “Sneakers! I have dozens of pairs, but sadly only one pair of feet.”

Question #11: Has reading a book ever changed your life? Which one?

Debs: “The Torah.”

Question #12: If you could eat your favorite food now, what would it be?

Debs: “S U S H I.”

Question #13: Do you have a pet? If not, what sort of pet would you like?

Debs: “I have a hamster called CJ, she was a welcome home present from my friends after camp last summer.”

Question #14: If you were sent to live on a space station for three months and only allowed to bring three personal items with you, what would they be?

Debs: “My phone, my lucky gold pig, good sweatpants.”

Question #15: What outdoor activities do you like to do?

Debs: “Hiking, shopping, running.”

Question #16: What was the best thing that happened to you this past week?

Debs: “Two days where I didn’t have to set my alarm in the morning.”

Question #17: What was your favorite book growing up?

Debs: “A Little Princess by Francis Hodgson Burnett.”

Question #18: What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Debs: “‘Fail fast, fail often’. People are often afraid of failing or getting things wrong but actually we learn way more from things going wrong. It is good to try, and its ok to get things wrong and then change what you’re doing and keep moving forwards.”

Question #19: What’s on your bucket list this year?

Debs: “To learn to drive! I grew up in the middle of London and never needed a car, but now is the time to learn.”

Question #20: What are you grateful for?

Debs: “The ability to travel around the world.”