Meet Ben and Allie – a recent favorite Interfaith Couple Have you ever met someone and just fallen in love — I did, and it’s probably not the story you’re expecting to hear. For me, it was Allie — and then Ben, and what led to an amazing relationship with this Interfaith Couple, as their […]
My Personal Cantor
Wedding Officiant -Debbi Ballard
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Destination Bar Mitzvah and Destination Bat Mitzvah – Let’s go to Israel!
Israel – The ULTIMATE Destination Bar Mitzvah (and Bat Mitzvah) This June will be my 7th – yes – magical 7th – Destination Bar Mitzvah in Israel, and I’m so excited to share this trip with you! (And Bat Mitzvah, and B’Nai Mitzvah) Every year, for the last 6 years, I have been fortunate to […]
Where is God in Tragedy…How to find God in Our Darkest Hours
Finding God in the most tragic events I was in hell. As a Spiritual Leader in the Jewish community in South Florida, I went into crisis mode when news struck of last week’s tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. I immediately began checking in with all of MY PERSONAL families, […]
Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings
Allie and Ben and Their Beautiful Wedding at The Addison – Meet my Interfaith Couple
Meet Ben and Allie – a recent favorite Interfaith Couple Have you ever met someone and just fallen in love — I did, and it’s probably not the story you’re expecting to hear. For me, it was Allie — and then Ben, and what led to an amazing relationship with this Interfaith Couple, as their […]
The Most Personal of Interfaith Wedding Ceremonies
Officiating an interfaith wedding ceremony requires a particular mindset, one that encompasses respect for multiple faiths, attention to important traditions and a true belief in the ability of a couple to move forward together despite what may have been vastly different upbringings. For years I have officiated Jewish interfaith ceremonies. I do so because I […]
Your Brother is not a Wedding Officiant…Why You Should Always Hire a Professional
I received an email from someone in Philadelphia this morning who was considering using her brother as a wedding officiant. “My daughter is getting married on July 22 (her fiancee is not Jewish). She and her fiancee have asked my brother to marry them. My brother is going to get certified on line, but we […]
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Adventures
Destination Bar Mitzvah and Destination Bat Mitzvah – Let’s go to Israel!
Israel – The ULTIMATE Destination Bar Mitzvah (and Bat Mitzvah) This June will be my 7th – yes – magical 7th – Destination Bar Mitzvah in Israel, and I’m so excited to share this trip with you! (And Bat Mitzvah, and B’Nai Mitzvah) Every year, for the last 6 years, I have been fortunate to […]
Debbi’s Deep Thoughts and Musings
Where is God in Tragedy…How to find God in Our Darkest Hours
Finding God in the most tragic events I was in hell. As a Spiritual Leader in the Jewish community in South Florida, I went into crisis mode when news struck of last week’s tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. I immediately began checking in with all of MY PERSONAL families, […]
Interfaith Holiday Celebrations – My Thoughts
I turned the calendar page. It’s December and that can only mean one thing. It’s holiday time. Personally, I love this time of year. Look around, people are smiling and making plans to spend time with their family and friends. I am no exception. That said, interfaith holiday celebrations, something many members of my community have, […]
Shavuot – My Personal Observance
I am a teacher, a spiritual leader and steadfast believer in the values of faith. Maybe that is why Shavuot has always been special to me. Much less celebrated than the “big” holidays (Passover, Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), Shavuot falls at a time of year where, in America (and specifically South Florida) it […]
What They Say
