My Personal Cantor

Wedding Officiant -Debbi Ballard

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Home » Lifecycle Events

Israel is opening!

April 29, 2021 by Debbi Ballard 2 Comments

I could NOT be happier! My greatest disappointment from 2020 was having to tell my 20+ travelers we would not be able to go to Israel.

When a family plans an Israel B-Mitzvah, of course they’re excited for the B-Mitzvah. Planning a trip to Israel invokes so many emotions, hopes, and dreams, and to have those dreams shattered just stinks – as it did for my families and me.

Israel B-Mitzvah with Cantor Debbi Ballard

My Israel trips are the highlight of my year. We love to spend the entire year building up the excitement – from planning calls and Friday Shabbat dinners where my travelers learn songs and music we will share together, to Sunday brunches to discuss packing lists and GREAT finds on Amazon to prepare for the trip. we have so much fun getting to know each other so we can arrive in Israel as friends.

So – this year – we had hoped we’d be able to go – but it’s still a bit early. Israel announced it is open for tourism on May 23, and our travelers felt better putting off another year – so – 2022 is ON!

I’d LOVE to share more info with you about this life changing trip. Even if you are having your B-Mitzvah at a local synagogue or with another clergy – our trip is warm, engaging and special because no other tour has a song and worship leader along making sure your every experience is amazing. You should definitely check out our trip!

Filed Under: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Adventures, Destination Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah

Destination Bar Mitzvah and Destination Bat Mitzvah – Let’s go to Israel!

February 18, 2018 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

Israel – The ULTIMATE Destination Bar Mitzvah (and Bat Mitzvah)

Next June will be my 7th – yes – magical 7th – Destination Bar/Bat/BNai Mitzvah in Israel, and I’m so excited to share this trip with you!

Every year, for the last 6 years, I have been fortunate to take families to Israel for their children’s Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah, and have created the most magical experience for them – and for me!  One of my favorite parts of taking families to Israel is the planning of a Bar Mitzvah trip in Israel, and I’m excited to share this with you!

Tell me about the trip!

Gladly!  Our Israel Destination Bar Mitzvah is jam packed!  Not only is it jam packed with a busy schedule of EVERYTHING you could want to see and do on your first trip to Israel, but it is jam packed with spirituality, music, friendship and FUN

We take our families on an “all inclusive” 8.5 night trip,  (air not included) with 4 nights in Jerusalem, 2 nights in the Galilee, and 2.5 nights in Tel Aviv.  (We extend hotels till 9pm so we don’t have to check out early and wander around all day.

Our 2017 Bar Mitzvah in Israel photo album

Jerusalem is first!

With 4 nights in Jerusalem, the trip starts out on a major high note!  We usually arrive just in time for a wonderful Kiddush and Shehecheyanu moment, overlooking the city of Jerusalem at sunset.

Israel Destination Bar Mitzvah with Lauren
Lauren at Jerusalem Overlook in Israel

With 4 nights in Jerusalem, we will do so many wonderful things!  Masada, The Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Yad Vashem, Machane Yehuda, The Western Wall, The City of David and MORE!

Our B-Mitzvah families gather at The Davidson Center, at Robinson’s Arch for the special moment their children and grandchildren will become a Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah.  At my services, my students read from the Torah and lead a complete service, in this incredibly holy space, at the secular side of The Western Wall

Destination Bar Mitzvah in Israel
Cantor Debbi Ballard leading Destination Bar Mitzvah service in Israel

The Secret Sauce

Now, so far, you are thinking – “Ok, what makes this trip SO special?”

Well – I believe my secret sauce is that on any trip, you have a wonderful tour guide and 8 jam packed nights, but on this trip, it is my essence – the presence of “My Personal Cantor” with my guitar and the music and spirituality that I am able to infuse on this journey that makes it so special.

Moments of holiness, with music, camaraderie, hopes and dreams and poignant memories make this trip the life-changing experience that so many people have raved about.  I’m so proud to bring my families on this Epic Adventure

Destination Bar Mitzvah Stop #2

Off to the North – The Sea of Galilee

After the most amazing 4 days and nights of Israel’s sights and sounds, we will head up on a long bus ride to our next stop – The Sea of Galilee.  We stay at a lovely Kibbutz-Hotel called Nof Ginosar, right on the edge of the water.

Here in the north, we will do amazing things like see the Golan Heights, and go on a really fun Jeep Tour, along with the overlook of Syria, The Lebanon Border, Safed, Rosh Hanikra and more.

girl jumping for joy overlooking the Sea of Galilee on our Destination Bar Mitzvah trip
Maya jumping for joy overlooking the Sea of Galilee

One of our most loved events is rafting on the Jordan River, where the kids get a special treat of zip lining into the Jordan!  But – HOLD ON TO YOUR BOTTOMS! You land right in the water, and the WOOSH might just woosh off your bottoms if you’re not careful!

Zipline in Jordan River on Destination Bar Mitzvah in Israel
Zipline into the Jordan River on Cantor Debbi’s Israel Bar Mitzvah trip

(Yup.  It happened to me.)

Destination Bar Mitzvah Last Stop – Tel Aviv

As we begin to head in to our trip conclusion, our last stop on our Destination Bar Mitzvah trip to Israel will be Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv is the more secular (non-religious) side of Israel, with nightlife and excitement, and is right on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea.

Here in Tel Aviv, we will hit our favorite spots – the Ayalon Institute, Jaffa, and Independence Hall.

We don’t want to say goodbye

Soon it will be time to say goodbye.  But I cherish our last day, as it is a totally FREE day. I love sitting at the pool at the hotel and soaking in the delicious Israel sun. (Bring Sunscreen!)

Our last day is a lazy day.  We walk to the train station for a nice dinner on our own, and get ready in our rooms.   (Thank goodness we still have our rooms to shower and prepare for the long journey home.)

I’d love to take you to Israel

There is just NO WAY I can even come close to summarizing this trip in a blog.  Call me today, and I will tell you all about how you can have the most amazing time in Israel, even if you still want to have a local service at home. I can help you accomplish it all.

Contact Cantor Debbi to discuss your Destination Bar Mitzvah in Israel! Our next trip is still open!  We depart on June 11th, 2020! Fill out our form to get more information on our upcoming trip:  

    Not quite ready to travel to Israel?  No problem!  Cantor Debbi will perform your child’s Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah anywhere you choose!  Contact her today to plan your Bar Mitzvah in the city of your choice.

    Filed Under: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Adventures, Destination Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Tagged With: Destination Bar Mitzvah, Family trip to Israel, Israel, Israel Bar Mitzvah, Israel Bat Mitzvah

    Allie and Ben and Their Beautiful Wedding at The Addison – Meet my Interfaith Couple

    February 15, 2018 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

    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 wedding officiant.  Let me share their story.

    Ben and Allie’s love story

    About a year ago I was contacted by a young woman looking for someone to officiate her Jewish-Interfaith wedding.  She was originally from South Florida, and her parents live here now, and they were planning their wedding at the beautiful Addison in Boca Raton, Florida.

    Ben and Allie had met in Grenada, while at Medical School.  Ben helped Allie up the stairs with her luggage, and over the next 3.5 years, they would fall in love and share the most romantic love story. While studying in Medical School became their #1 priority, they fell in love over the simple things in life, and couldn’t wait to begin their lives together, post Medical School.

    A logistics challenge…

    But here was the problem.  When I met Ben & Allie, they were in the process of matching. What if they didn’t match to the same schools?  Could their love endure being in different places during such a challenging time in their lives?

    As we sat together, somehow, we all knew – that everything was going to work out fine, and they would land exactly where destiny was going to take them.

    Here we come, Arkansas!

    Holy moly!  How excited was I when I found out they both matched in Arkansas, and got a puppy??  Everything worked out so well for them – and even though we might think – HUH?  ARKANSAS?  I just love how Allie and Ben looked at this as such a miracle, and that life was taking all the right turns at just the right time.

    The Jewish-Interfaith Wedding

    I loved marrying Ben and Allie.  Even though it rained and we had to go indoors, The Addison is a beautiful place to be, no matter where you have the wedding ceremony.  But what really shined through was the love Allie and Ben shared, and the excitement for finally starting their lives together – IN THE SAME PLACE!

    How adorable is this Interfaith couple? I couldn’t be happier to be their wedding officiant on this very special day!

    Cantor and Wedding Officiant Debbi officiates the wedding for a Jewish Interfaith couple at The Addison in Boca Raton, Florida
    Jewish Interfaith couple at The Addison in Boca Raton

    an Interfaith couple is exchanging Jewish Interfaith Wedding Vows at the Addison in Boca Raton, Florida
    Wedding giggles during vows

    Where will their love take them next?

    I can’t wait to find out where Ben and Allie’s next stop on their journey will take them!  I sure hope they stay in touch – and don’t wait too long till we get to welcome an adorable baby – but wish them all the best in their medical profession journeys.  Love you guys!

    Thanks for the memories!

    Want to create your own “dream come true wedding”? Contact Cantor Debbi today to see how you can co-create the event of your dreams.

    PS: And don’t forget to stop by our sample ceremonies page to see what your ceremony might look like!

    Filed Under: Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Weddings Tagged With: Interfaith wedding, Jewish

    Blog Highlight: A Destination Bat Mitzvah in South Florida with Cantor Debbi

    February 9, 2018 by Debbi Ballard 1 Comment

    Welcome!  I’m so excited to share details of the newest trend in Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah – the Destination Bat Mitzvah in South Florida! It is becoming commonplace for Jewish families to take the B-Mitzvah experience into their own hands!
    By making it meaningful and relevant to the family – the Bat Mitzvah experience is transformed. It excites me that people are making the experience less of a blow out party and more of a meaningful family journey. It is my honor and pleasure to officiate a Bat Mitzvah for any family in the destination of their choice! [Read more…]

    Filed Under: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Adventures Tagged With: Bat Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah in Florida, private Bat Mitzvah

    Interfaith Holiday Celebrations – My Thoughts

    December 13, 2017 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

    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, can be challenging.

    Each year, around this time,  some families are conflicted. When one adult was raised celebrating Hanukkah and the other celebrating Christmas, holiday time can often be stressful, even for those families who have discussed these issue and made religious commitments.

    If you, as an interfaith family, have decided to raise your children Jewish, what DO you do at Christmas time?  Your in-laws celebrate.  Other family members celebrate. And honestly, Christmas is EVERYWHERE.  It’s in your face, even before Halloween.  It’s beautiful (all those lights) and it’s fun — who doesn’t want a visit from Santa? What should you do?

    Or, if you are a Jewish parent who has committed to raising your child in the Christian faith, should you skip Hanukkah all together?  What about the holiday traditions you loved growing up.  There are dilemmas everywhere!

    My Belief

    As a spiritual adviser for the unaffiliated and interfaith communities, this question is familiar to me.  As a parent of a child who was raised in an interfaith family, this question is personal to me.  And, as a grandparent of the most beautiful little boy who is being raised in an interfaith family, this question is current for me.  However, my answer to the question is this: there is no right answer.

    When this question is asked of me, I consistently deliver  a single response.  No matter what your decision, act with respect.  While my beliefs and faith in Judaism run deep (I was raised in a conservative household and am a Cantor by trade), my respect for all religions and all people run equally as deep.  We must, under all circumstances, understand that people have differing beliefs.  Although they may not align with ours, it doesn’t mean that they are wrong.

    That said, Understanding this may make the following statement easier to comprehend.  “Although you have made a commitment to raising your child Jewish/Christian/Hindu/Muslim/Buddhist with your spouse; you must understand and accept that he/she has years of memories and experiences based in another religion.  Those beliefs and his/her love of specific traditions don’t disappear, even if you make a specific commitment.”   Honestly, I don’t really think they should. Our history (both religious and secular) shapes who we are; we should never turn our backs upon it.

    My Advice

    So, what should you do?  Well, that’s a tough question.  It depends on your beliefs. There are so many options.

    Some Stories

    For example, there is the story of my friend’s roommate.  She was raised Jewish; even had a Bat Mitzvah.  She met her husband after college.  He was Catholic.  At their wedding they had both a Rabbi and a Priest; I heard the ceremony was lovely.  Prior to the wedding, they made a commitment to raising their children Jewish.  They would have a Bris/Naming Ceremony and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Honestly, there is no debate, their children are Jewish.  However, every holiday season there is a Christmas tree in their house.  “Why”, you may ask?  “Aren’t they raising their children Jewish?”  “Yes, they are.”  Understand,  her husband is NOT Jewish.  He grew up celebrating Christmas and has a lifetime of memories and traditions.  She believes that having that tree celebrates him and allows him to share some of his holiday traditions with their family.  She respects his history and shares that respect with her family, such a special thing to do.

    Additionally, there is another family where the husband is Jewish and the wife is Christian.  Again, they decided to raise their children Jewish.  They have no tree; her husband felt strongly about this and she agreed.  However, they spend Christmas every year with her family. There is a tree, stockings, Santa, and most importantly, lots of love.  The children understand that they are Jewish, but mommy is not.  And, they look forward to celebrating with her each year.

    This begs the question, “would I be so understanding if Judaism was not the religion chosen for the children? My answer is a resounding yes!  Why, you may ask? Because of that one simple word, respect.  I respect the choices my friends and my community make; I will always honor them.  Understand, people make decisions for a variety of complex and personal reasons; it is not my job to question those.  I always counsel my families to discuss these issues early and often; and to anticipate issues along the way. However, I would never question the carefully made decision once it is final.  I would respect it.

    Finally, one additional scenario, what about that couple that decides to not choose, to raise their children with aspect from both religions.  Well, here are my thoughts: I’m afraid that doing “both” puts the burden of future choice on a child, which represents their choice of one parent over another.  In my home, we raised our children to be educated in only one faith, but we honored the non Jewish parent (their father) by celebrating his holidays, but we communicated that we chose for them to be Jewish.  Children appreciate having definition – and feel more confident to make future choices knowing they had parents in agreement.

    Interfaith Holiday Celebrations

    In the end, regardless of  your choices, I encourage you to stand by them, honor them and continue to build memories and traditions for your family for years to come.  Providing your children a safe and harmonious place to celebrate who they are is important; and creating an environment of love serves as a foundation for how they will raise their children and celebrate holidays in the future.

    Finally, respect your choices and the choices of others.  Don’t judge their decisions or actions.  Be a part of a holiday season that truly brings joy to all.

    Happy Holidays!

    For more information call me at 954-646-1326 I would love to learn about your family and share how I can work with you.

    Filed Under: Debbi's Deep Thoughts and Musings, Holidays, Jewish Tagged With: inspiration, Interfaith, Spirituality, Thoughts

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