Jacob Arbanil became a bar mitzvah on Saturday, March 21, at Congregation Micah. He is the child of Amy Strugazow and Hei and Ernesto Arbanil; the brother of Harrison Arbanil; and the grandson of Maria and Ernesto W. (z”l) Arbanil of Long Island, N.Y., Haviva K. Strugazow (z”l), and Helen and Israel Sklarcyk (z”l).
A seventh grader at Rose Park Middle School, Jacob enjoys playing the trombone, chess, board games, and video games. He loves playing with his brother, Harrison, and his cat Mustachio. His favorite class in school is social studies, and he is very interested in learning about WWI.
Jacob has volunteered with the Room in the Inn multiple times. He helps set up the space with cots, tables, and chairs. He serves food to the men and enjoys a meal with them. He plays cards (poker, Uno, whatever they like) and enjoys their company. His mitzvah project is raising money to buy additional cots for the men to sleep on. Room in the Inn’s mission statement is to provide programs that emphasize human development and recovery through education, self-help, and work, centered in community and long-term support for those who call the streets of Nashville home.
Esther Mae Boehler will become a bat mitzvah on Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. She was born on April 12, 2013, in San Diego, Calif. Her parents are Shira and Adam Boehler. Her grandparents are Nancy and Jeffrey Kupperman of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Jill and Richard Boehler of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
A seventh grader at University School of Nashville, Essie loves all kinds of sports, listening to music, overnight camp and spending time with her friends and family.
For her mitzvah project, Essie is involved in the Cancer Doesn't Care Foundation, an organization focused on supporting lung screening access and research. Inspired by her mom’s strength and advocacy, Essie is raising funds for this important organization by speaking at her school and organizing a bake sale.
Kamila (Mila) Geringer will become a Bat Mitzvah on April 11, 2026 at Congregation Micah. Mila is the child of Miranda and Cole Geringer, the sister of Wolff and Wynne Geringer, and the granddaughter of Linda and Steve (z’l) Geringer (Nashville), Marie Schnabel (Florida), and Frank Schnabel (Costa Rica).
A 7th grader at Meraki Learning Center, Mila enjoys studying French and science, enriching her learning through world travel, and excelling as an elite gymnast, earning recognition as one of the Top 100 gymnasts in the United States. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Mila created a cookie business to raise money to help make gymnastics more accessible to children who are less fortunate.
As an elite gymnast, she understands that the sport builds more than athletic ability; it instills confidence, discipline, resilience, and lifelong skills. This connects beautifully to her Torah portion, Shemini, which teaches the importance of responsibility and using our gifts with intention — turning personal passions into meaningful action to support and uplift others.
Samuel Alexander Wolf will become a bar mitzvah on Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. He was born on April 20, 2013, in Washington, D.C. His parents are Beth and Jason Wolf. His grandparents are Carol Wolf of Sarasota, Fla., Jonathan Wolf, of blessed memory, Joyce and Cliff Jones of Celina, Tenn., and James Ferguson of blessed memory.
A seventh grader at University School of Nashville, Sam loves soccer, mini golf, Nashville SC, Everton FC, and the Mets, Giants, and Knicks.
For Sam’s mitzvah project, he is raising awareness and funds for Zipped. Zipped is an organization built on one belief: disabled people belong in cool shoes too.
Colin Cregar will become a bar mitzvah on Saturday, April 25, at West End Synagogue. Colin is the son of Sherri and Daniel Cregar and the grandson of Robert and Mary Siegel of Richmond, Va., and Rita Cregar of Sparta, Tenn.
An eighth grader at Centertown Elementary in McMinnville, Tenn., Colin is a standout athlete with a deep passion for team sports. He proudly takes the field as a member of the Warren County Pioneers football team and competes in softball for Centertown. His dedication to his teammates and his competitive spirit have been hallmarks of his middle school years.
At school, Colin is well known for his quick sense of humor and his consistent kindness toward others. When he isn't on the field or in the classroom, Colin is a talented artist who enjoys expressing his creativity. He also loves spending time at home with his cats, collaborating with his father on various hands-on projects, or connecting with friends online for video games.
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