The Jewish Observer
News from Middle Tennessee's Jewish Community | Friday, May 1, 2026
The Jewish Observer

B'nai Mitzvah May 2026

Sari Zagnoev Bat Mitzvah.jpg

Sari Blair Zagnoev will become a bat mitzvah on May 2, 2026. She was born on May 17, 2013, in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the daughter of Erin and Greg Zagnoev, granddaughter of Rae and Bruce Hirsch (Nashville, TN), Noreen and Dudley Zagnoev (Studio City, California). Sari is a sixth grader at University School of Nashville. She loves soccer, basketball, softball, going to overnight camp, beach travel, and spending time with her sisters, cousins and friends. 

For her mitzvah project, Sari is supporting the Nashville Dolphins, an organization that provides adaptive aquatic lessons for children and adults with special needs. Their programs range from water safety and survival instruction to competitive swim team training; all offered at no cost to participants. Sari has attended their swim meets, volunteered at their Dolphin Prom, and participated in their “Bracelets for Bubbles” initiative. Through the sale of beaded bracelets made by volunteers like Sari, this initiative raises funds to help keep their services free of charge.

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Baron Dresdner will become a bar mitzvah on May 9, 2026. He was born on April 26, 2013, in Nashville, TN. He is the son of Jaimee and Lawrence Dresdner, grandson of Arline and Dr. David Dresdner (St. Petersburg, Florida) and the late Gaylin and James Crenshaw (St. Petersburg, FL). 

Baron is a seventh grader at Brentwood Middle School, and he enjoys sports, theater, fitness, spending time with friends, video games, and has a love of dogs. 

For his mitzvah project, Baron is fundraising to support local animal rescue organizations by packaging and selling dog treats. 

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Levi Martinez will become a bar mitzvah on May 23, 2026. He is the son of Julia Marx and Will Martinez, the brother of Maya and Aitan Martinez, and the grandson of Leona and Alan Marx (Nashville) and Filomena Martinez (New Jersey). He is a seventh grader at Meigs Middle Magnet School. Levi has a passion for soccer and math. He also plays the trumpet and enjoys reading, drawing, and making everybody laugh. Levi has worked as a volunteer assistant coach for the Nashville Soccer United Cubs program for 3 to 5-year-olds. Levi is also raising money to fund a scholarship for the NSU program for an elementary school-aged student. 

 

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Benjamin Edward Spiro will become a bar mitzvah on May 23, 2026. He was born on May 13, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Jane and Scott Spiro, grandson of Sally and Bernie Spiro (Irvine, California) and Sheila and Don Baker (Bentley, Suffolk UK). 

Benjamin is a sixth grader at Woodland Middle School and enjoys football, basketball, e-scooters & bikes, history, music, & games. 

For his mitzvah project, Benjamin is partnering with local sports teams to support St. Jude and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. 

 

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