I’m a culinary expert, author, public motivational speaker, and humanitarian. Over the years, I’ve poured my heart into the culinary arts and shared my personal journey through memoirs and public speaking. I’ve written several books that weave together my life experiences with my passion for cooking, entertaining, and inspiring others.

Early Life and Education

I was born in New York City and was raised in Bogotá, Colombia. Between the ages of eight and ten, I lived in Lausanne, Switzerland, before returning to Colombia with my family in fifth grade. I studied at Colegio Colombo Hebreo (CCH) for two years before continuing my education at the National University. Eventually, due to a surge in kidnappings targeting both Jewish and non-Jewish families, my family and I fled Colombia and resettled in Miami, Florida.

I lived in the United States from my early twenties until I made aliyah to Israel in 2012. That decision was fueled by my deep connection to the land, the people, and the culture—as well as my career in real estate development.

In the last thirteen years, I’ve launched a YouTube channel called Debbie’s Culinary Journey and appeared on several television programs, including the first English-language Israeli cooking show, What is the State of Israel in Food?, a collaboration with Dudu Fisher filmed in Bnei Brak. I was also featured at Beit Mispar 13 in Tel Aviv-Yafo. My multicultural upbringing and life experiences have shaped my love and appreciation for diverse cuisines and traditions.

Career

When I moved to the United States, I dove headfirst into my love for food, entertaining, and public speaking. Around 1990, I began offering cooking lessons—a practice I proudly continue to this day. I teach people how to make gourmet food in just five minutes using simple, everyday ingredients. I also developed and hosted cooking workshops under the title Gourmet Easily and with Pleasure.

Throughout my journey, I’ve spoken around the world about survival, forgiveness, and hope. My motivational talks come straight from my lived experiences and are aimed at inspiring resilience and healing.

I’ve written several books, including:

• Fall or Fly (2018): My memoir, sharing my life story alongside the recipes that were part of that journey.

• Eat Host Love: Impressive Cooking Made Easy (2021): A cookbook with 72 recipes that help you wow guests without breaking a sweat.

• Surviving My Mother: How I Let Go of My Past to Reclaim My Soul and My Future (2024): A deeply personal memoir about growing up in an aristocratic but abusive home, and the healing process that led me to forgiveness and peace. I wrote this book to give hope to others who’ve lived through trauma—to show that fulfillment and joy are possible.

I’m also very active in charitable work. I was a founding member of the Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) in the United States and have been involved with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) in Florida. In 1987, I was honored to receive the Charitable Woman of the Year award, presented by the governor of Florida.

Personal Life

I’m married to my wonderful husband, Giora Matzkin, and we have two beautiful daughters, Ilana and Annie.