My Personal Cantor

Wedding Officiant -Debbi Ballard

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Home » Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings » Page 8

About Cantor Debbi Ballard

July 20, 2008 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

I have a rich and varied background that brings me to where I am today. As a child growing up in a Conservative Jewish community, I was mesmerized and transformed by the musical experience of singing in synagogue with my family. Our Jewish holiday celebrations and lifecycle events became the most special moments in my life.
Brought up in a musical home, I followed my passion to sing while growing up, however, never realized how I could combine my love for music with work that would inspire and transform me.

In 1987, I met and married the man I fell in love with, however, much to the chagrin of my family, he was not Jewish. I had no idea how I was going to raise a family, much less an Interfaith family, but I had faith that I knew would carry us through. As our family grew, so did our need for spiritual worship, and as a parent – a JEWISH parent, I felt drawn to the worship experience I grew up with.
I was immediately faced with the harsh reality that Interfaith couples and families are not welcomed with open arms by the traditional houses of worship that exist today. Sure, even the most liberal synagogues open their arms in terms of membership, but when asked to actually facilitate the lifecycle events of the Interfaith family – now THAT was a different story…

I raised my children in our Reform synagogue in Weston, Florida, and served as a faithful congregant for years. But over the years, I have found that almost 80% of South Florida’s Jewish community is unaffiliated, and therefore unable to participate in a Jewish communal experience. They have little or no access to warm, meaningful Jewish lifecycle events. One cannot be Jewish alone, and while many people believe that synagogue life is the best way to be part of a Jewish community, not everyone feels the same way, I hope to serve as a connection for unaffiliated families to their Jewish roots and community.

In 2004, I met Rabbi Joseph Gelberman, the founder of the All Faith Seminary in New York. Rabbi Gelberman is the most amazing man, almost 98 years old, and sharp as a tack. My friend, my mentor, and my inspiration, Jerry Cohn introduced me to Rabbi G. That day, having lunch, in a Chinese Restaurant in Tamarac, Florida, he asked me to chant Debbie Friedman’s “Mishebeirach”. That moment was the most transforming moment of my life, as he asked me to found a Cantorial program with his seminary, and of course, through years of study with him and his staff, I became the first student to achieve a Cantorial S’micha, through the New Seminary.

Now, remember – I am still and will always be a congregant in my own synagogue. My worship needs are completely fulfilled by the Jewish community I am part of. But today’s social environment has created challenges that the Jewish community is unable to provide solutions to. For whatever reasons, 80% of our Jewish population does not, nor will ever, belong to a synagogue. And because of that, it’s possible that unlimited future Jewish generations could be lost forever, unless someone works to help these families maintain their Jewish connection.

So in 2004, I chose to become – Your Personal Cantor. A spiritual leader, a coach, a singer, a cheerleader, and a teacher. All in one. Yes, I believe that to be Jewish, you must be part of a Jewish community, but as our society expands, so does that Jewish community, and if I help you connect to your Jewish roots, then the likelihood of your future connection remains strong. I am committed to helping families, couples, and individuals remain connected to Judaism, in any way possible.

Call me today to find out how I can help you.. B’Shalom. Debbi

Email: Debbi@mypersonalcantor.com or call 954-646-1326

Filed Under: Baby Namings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Adventures, Debbi's Deep Thoughts and Musings, Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Judaism, Thoughts, Weddings Tagged With: Add new tag, Interfaith, interfaith weddings, Jewish, Religion

Russia – Meet Mexico!

July 20, 2008 by Debbi Ballard 2 Comments

I just returned last night from my 4 day trip to the Riu Palace in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where Dan and Rita were married in the most beautiful ceremony (if I do say so, myself). What an amazing group of people this was! I must admit, I was a bit unsure if I would be able to bond with the guests and families, as I usually am able to do so easily. Thursday night, Rita told me they had shut down La Bodega, the Brazilian restaurant on the premises, for her family to have dinner. As I arrived at the restaurant, not having met anyone yet, I approached a group of 50+ people, who I assumed were her guests and family. The only problem was – everyone was speaking Russian! I was a little apprehensive about who I would talk to, and how I could connect with these families whose culture seemed so different from mine.

But, almost immediately, my fears were put to rest. I naturally gravitated to Mila and Vladimir, Rita’s Aunt & Uncle. They made me feel so comfortable, and they were SO interesting to talk to. Next, Dan’s Mom and Dad came and introduced themselves to me, and again, I felt so welcomed. The group went out right after dinner, but since I was tired, I retreated to my room, intending to wake early for the next morning. Friday morning gave me an opportunity to relax, and then we met for the rehearsal of the ceremony. That was when I had the chance to meet Dan and Rita’s wedding party and immediate family, and it was beginning to feel more familiar. I was immediately taken by how friendly and attentive Rita was. She was not only breathtakingly beautiful on the outside, she is even more beautiful inside. From the first minute, she was so concerned that I was having a good time, and you could really tell it was so genuine.

Rita skipping down the aisleFriday afternoon I had been sitting in the lobby working on some emails, and found myself sitting next to Esther, Rita’s cousin. She was so lovely and lively, and we just found ourselves talking for hours. She invited me to join her for dinner with her mom and Rita’s mother, and that was when Faina became my favorite person in the group. Faina is Esther’s mom, and she is one of the most lovely people I have ever known. She became my dinner and breakfast partner, and once we became friends, the rest of the weekend was so easy, and suddenly, I found myself falling for this group of people, because they truly were some of the most special people I have met in quite a while.

I was so taken with how all of these people came from a country that gave them nothing, monetarily. Each and every one of them had an individual story, of leaving Russia, with nothing more than a few dollars in their pockets, not even knowing where they would end up. But, one after another, they found their way to America, and boy did they overcome insurmountable odds. As I was introduced to the family members, one was a doctor, and another was a doctor, and so on. Dan’s dad fixed typewriters when he came to the U.S., and he grew that into a successful office machine business. Vladimir is a successful Engineer, and even the women put themselves through school and found jobs, and they all became successful. 90 family members who came from the most modest beginnings were celebrating, drinking LOTS of Vodka, and toasting “God Bless America” – along with a few l’chayim’s and other Russian toasts I really couldn’t master, but a great time was being had by all!

We were beginning to fear the weather, though. It rained the entire day on Friday, and by Saturday morning, it didn’t look any better. But Rita’s mom prayed extra hard to Rita’s father, who had passed away many years ago, to watch over his daughter and keep the rain away, and her prayers came true. The sun came out in the afternoon, and the wedding was amazing. Even I had a hard time keeping dry eyes through the whole ceremony. And now I can say, it was one of the best weddings I have ever done. I know I say that after every one, but this one was so special, yet I can’t really elaborate why I feel that way. Perhaps it was the people. Perhaps it was Mexico. I’m not really sure, but something very magical happened when 90 Russians converged on Mexico. It was a marriage in more than 1 way, for sure.

Sunday morning, Faina and I had our last breakfast together. We sat in the sun at the beach, and got ready to say our goodbyes. I said goodbye to Rita and Dan, Yelena (Rita’s sister), Faina, Esther, and all of my other newfound Russian friends. I will never forget this experience. It made me a richer person, and certainly not because of the financial gain. I am a better person for having met this group of people. They made me remember that my problems are insignificant, compared to the challenges they have met in life. They reminded me that even though people are different, we can still put aside our differences, and find ways of communicating in loving ways, across cultures. They reminded me it is fun to learn about and meet people from other cultures, that there is a whole big world out there, aside from my own.

They opened the world up to me, and I’m so happy to have met Russia in Mexico. Dan and Rita – I wish you the best life has to offer, because you deserve it. You are an amazingly beautiful couple, and I thank you for everything you brought to my life. Make sure you let me know when the first baby is coming!

Filed Under: Featured Content, Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Judaism, Thoughts, Weddings Tagged With: Cantor, destination wedding, Jewish, Mexico, mexico weddings, Music, Rabbi, Russian, russian weddings, wedding

Could the world get any smaller?

July 20, 2008 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

This past weekend, I had the privilege of officiating the wedding for Kevin & Meridith in Raleigh, NC. The day I put my website up, I received an email from Meridith’s father, Elliot. He told me about his daughter, and how she was planning on marrying a Scottish young man, in an Interfaith wedding. They had tried desperately to find someone in the area to officiate, but had absolutely no luck. They wanted a Jewish co-officiant with a Catholic priest, but they were running out of options. It seemed from the beginning of the call, everything was going to work out great among us all, and it did. I had a great time, and really enjoyed the entire family, and all of the guests. And I especially enjoyed Father Joe, and his wife.
He had the greatest laugh, and he really made the service fun!
Father Joe

The funniest coincidence happened, though, that really made me marvel at how small this world is. I arrived at the Umstead Hotel on Friday afternoon, and met with Meridith & Kevin. Then, I quickly went up to the room to change, so that I could be back down at the rehearsal at 5pm. I was greeted at the rehearsal by Barbara, the wedding planner. She asked me “Are you Cantor Ballard”? Yes, I replied. “Oh great!”, she said! “Laura, our Director of Sales thinks she knows you”. Hmmm, “Probably not”, I replied. “I’m from Florida”. The crowd started to gather for the rehearsal, and a woman approaches me with her arms out, eager to give me a great big hug! She said “Debbi? Is that you?”

Wow – 3 years ago, I officiated the Bat Mitzvah of my high school best friend’s daughter at the Delray Beach Marriott. Laura had been the Sales Director there at the time. Nancy, my friend, had already become very friendly with Laura, while planning the event, and while the event was a huge success, that was the last I saw of Laura.

Until Friday. Here we both were, 800 miles away from the last time we saw each other. It was great to see a familiar face, and I was amazed at how very small the world can be. The Umstead Hotel is absolutely amazing. I absolutely would say it is my favorite hotel EVER in the U.S. I felt completely at peace from the moment I arrived, and completely enjoyed having the opportunity to walk along the path around the lake behind the hotel, and to meditate in the meditation garden at the spa. I highly recommend it to anyone.

The weekend was even more enjoyable than I had anticipated, as I had the chance to visit with my cousins, Irv, Virginia, and Gabrielle. We had a great reunion, ate pizza at Gabrielle’s apartment, and went back to the house for tea. On Saturday, Stacey and Bruce, a couple I will be doing a wedding for in June, 2008 came to pick me up at the hotel, and we went to lunch together. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them, and really look forward to spending more time with them as we get closer to the wedding.

I always say this, but I am so fortunate to do what I do. My work connects me with the most wonderful people, and I have never enjoyed doing what I do so much. I’m really looking forward to next week, as I travel to Mexico to meet Dan & Rita. This is SUCH an adventure!

Filed Under: Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings

Getting ready to travel…

July 19, 2008 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

I’m so excited for the upcoming month! I have 3 weddings coming up in December, and it is going to be an amazing experience.

First, I’ll be traveling to Raleigh, NC, to perform a wedding for Meridith & Kevin, at the Umstead Hotel. Meridith’s father contacted me from my site, and booked me right away. They are a very sweet couple, and I’m really looking forward to meeting the family.

Just 2 weeks later, on December 13th, I’ll be leaving for 4 days/3 nights at the Hotel Riu Palace in Mexico to perform the wedding for Dan & Rita. They are the most lovely Russian couple, and they have the cutest story! Dan moved to California after Dental school, but his best friend decided to set him up with his girlfriend’s sister in NY, and the rest is history. She moved out to California 6 months later, and they’re getting married next month. I can’t wait to meet them either.

Then, just before New Year’s, I am performing a wedding for Jonathan & Jennifer, at the Broken Sound Country Club in Boca Raton, FL. Thanks to my dear friend, Jerry Cohn, who was unable to commit to the date, I will be the Cantor at this Jewish wedding of this lovely couple from Boston.

I’m so fortunate that these amazing couples have come into my life, and to be part of their special days. Stay tuned on my site for pictures when I return. Their ceremonies are all going to be very unique, and special, and I can’t wait to be a part of their beautiful events.

I have even more couples that are in the process of booking, and will hopefully be booking a wedding in Costa Rica, and one in Colorado for next year. I love having the opportunity to travel, and consider myself extremely fortunate to do so.

Stay tuned for more adventures of “Cantor Debbi goes to…”

Filed Under: Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings

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717 Shotgun Road,
Sunrise, FL 33326
954-646-1326



~ Officiating Jewish & Interfaith Weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Funerals, and any other Jewish Lifecycle Services in Florida, USA – Destination Weddings in North America, Mexico, Caribbean & Worldwide ~

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6:00 pm: Ava's Bat Mitzvah, Wellington, FL

March 4, 2023 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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5March 5, 2023

Upcoming Events

  • 10:00 am – 11:15 am, September 19, 2020 – High Holy Days with Cantor Debbi Ballard on ZOOM
  • 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm, September 27, 2020 – High Holy Days with Cantor Debbi Ballard on ZOOM
  • 10:00 am – 11:15 am, September 28, 2020 – High Holy Days with Cantor Debbi Ballard on ZOOM
  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, March 4, 2023 – Ava's Bat Mitzvah, Wellington, FL

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