Debbi's Deep Thoughts and Musings Archives

We Had a Challah-Day!

February 23, 2023September 22, 2019 by Debbi Ballard

It was SUCH a wonderful day today, baking challah with my besties! This morning, Melissa Cravitz Ferber felt a sore throat coming on so she opted in by FACETIME, and still made some rockin’ challah with us! Making challah is a mitzvah. The special part about it is infusing the challah while you’re kneading it with your … Read more

Where is God in Tragedy…How to find God in Our Darkest Hours

February 23, 2023February 21, 2018 by Debbi Ballard

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, … Read more

Interfaith Holiday Celebrations – My Thoughts

February 23, 2023December 13, 2017 by Debbi Ballard

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, … Read more

Shavuot – My Personal Observance

February 23, 2023May 19, 2017 by Debbi Ballard

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 seems to get over looked.

Facing your fears and the hero of Passover

February 23, 2023March 28, 2017 by Debbi Ballard

Who do you think was the hero of Passover? I bet you anything you’ll say Moses, right off the bat, right? Well, it’s important to know the story of Passover and dig a little deeper, so I’m going to share my personal thoughts on a great Passover hero, Nachshon. I’m not saying Moses wasn’t a … Read more

On Losing Life Before It’s Time

February 23, 2023March 21, 2017 by Debbi Ballard

It’s so hard to comprehend death.. The hardest part about my job is when a young person asks me why G-d had to “take” someone so young, when it clearly wasn’t “time” for them to go yet. Today, I’m stricken with grief over 2 young FSU students who lost their lives heading back to school … Read more

Getting Ready For Passover….Preparing (and understanding) Your Seder Plate

February 23, 2023March 18, 2017 by Debbi Ballard

Getting Ready for Passover – Preparing Your Seder Plate

Passover is one of the most symbolic of the Jewish holidays and the Seder plate is the centerpiece of our table. The Seder features the story of Exodus and at the heart of the Seder table is the Seder Plate.

You Inspire Me

February 23, 2023January 5, 2017 by Debbi Ballard

Happy New Year! While on a weekend away with my son, I saw the following Brad Paisley quote on Facebook: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” I stopped for a moment – appreciated the inspiration, and realized this sentence encompasses what I do professionally each and … Read more

Another great-full year, welcome 5776!

February 23, 2023September 24, 2015 by Debbi Ballard

I haven’t even begun to process the last 10 days, but I simply must express my heartfelt joy and appreciation for those who helped make it the most successful HiHo ever. Although I am completely exhausted, today, my heart is soaring. First and foremost – thanks go out to my Dad, Rabbi Stephen Spiegel, who gave … Read more

A fresh, clean slate

February 24, 2023September 18, 2015 by Debbi Ballard

I always love the time of the holidays. Aside from the stressful parts, Rosh Hashanah is like the brand new coloring book with a new box of crayons with perfect tips and paper wrappers in tact. As I look at the wonderful pictures I get to color, I am filled with an imagination of how … Read more