Bar/Bat Mitzvah Adventures Archives

Israel is opening!

February 23, 2023April 29, 2021 by Debbi Ballard

Israel B-Mitzvah with Cantor Debbi Ballard

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 … Read more

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

February 23, 2023February 18, 2018 by Debbi Ballard

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 … Read more

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

February 23, 2023February 9, 2018 by Debbi Ballard

Cantor Debbi plays the guitar for her Bat Mitzvah student at her destination Bat Mitzvah in Lighthouse Point, South Florida

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!

What’s New at the Zoo? Eli’s Bar Mitzvah!!

February 23, 2023December 4, 2017 by Debbi Ballard

I love working with young people. Helping to prepare them for their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah service is one of my greatest joys. The opportunity to share what I know and teach not only the history of our religion, but also how this history affects them and their families, is special. Every once in … Read more

The greatest gift … Ben’s Bar Mitzvah in South Florida

February 24, 2023November 12, 2014 by Debbi Ballard

Unaffiliated Bar Mitzvah family Shabbat dinner in Broward County, Florida

When it comes to families who enroll in my Jewish community program, I’m pretty blessed. It seems that as with the Law of Attraction, what we put out into the universe, we also attract. Throughout my 10 year cantor career journey, I’ve encountered Jewish families who I simply adore – who approach the Bar Mitzvah … Read more

My Chicago weekend – Matthew’s day is here!

November 14, 2009 by Debbi Ballard

I’m so excited for this morning, and for being in Chicago this weekend. I’ve had sooo much fun since I got off the plane yesterday! As soon as I arrived for Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah in Chicago, we went to Mike and Sharon’s house, and Matthew and I prepared the Torah and practiced our singing together. … Read more

Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah, Chicago, Illinois

November 5, 2009 by Debbi Ballard

I can’t wait to officiate Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah in Chicago. The Silverberg family truly personifies why I chose the title “My Personal Cantor” for my business. It started with my friend, Jacey, who worked for me, in another lifetime! When Jacey married Charlie, I couldn’t be happier, but I was just finishing my investiture, and … Read more

Where Did Summer Go??

August 27, 2009 by Debbi Ballard

My biggest challenge this year has been to maintain any consistency in my writing. I seem to get really inspired to write, and post a ton of blogs at one time, and then I get so busy, that every time I go to write, I am wiped out clean of any inspiration to be creative, … Read more

Jared’s Bar Mitzvah, and my best review – EVER!

May 2, 2009 by Debbi Ballard

This past weekend was Jared’s Bar Mitzvah. I was so worried about this one, simply from a time constraint perspective. No sooner did I finish Jess & Pete’s wedding in Orlando, I jumped in the car, drove home, taught Hebrew School from 9-10am, and was ready for Jared’s Bar Mitzvah at 10:30! (It required setup … Read more

Austin’s AMAZING Bar Mitzvah – Ahoy Mates!

March 30, 2009 by Debbi Ballard

I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. I’m SOOOOO lucky to do what I do, and being able to give my newest student the opportunity to have Austin’s Bar Mitzvah just reaffirms my good fortune. I don’t even know where to start this one. Have you ever developed such an incredible … Read more