meet Debra Sagan Massey

Religious School Director, Debra Sagan Massey, RJE

Debra joined the Beth El family in January, having grown up in the Reform Movement. Originally from Los Altos, Debra's youth was shaped by her involvement in Congregation Beth Am's youth programming, NFTY and Camp Swig. Following her undergraduate degree at UCSD, Debra spent a year volunteering in Israel as an Otzma fellow, working with youth and families throughout the country. Debra received her Joint Masters Degree in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. As a long-time believer in informal education, her first job after HUC was as the Associate Director of URJ Camp Swig and Newman from 1999-2002. Feeling a 'pull' to the Midwest, Debra moved to Cleveland to serve as the Family Educator at The Temple-Tifereth Israel. There she met her husband Oren, and had their oldest son, Zev. Together they made aliyah to Israel and lived in the Reform Movement's only yishuv, Har Halutz. Their youngest son, Ari, was born in Zefat a few months before they returned to the Bay Area.. Debra is thrilled to be a part of the Beth El team and looks forward to meeting you and your family.