Bar Mitzvah: Ohr Michael Shantzer

Ohr Michael Shantzer is the beloved son of Liron and Moshe Shantzer, brother of Tahel, and grandson of Sara and Rami Sharon and Miriam and Haim Shantzer.

Ohr is entering seventh grade at The Davis Academy this fall. He is energetic, adventurous, kind-hearted, and always ready for his next challenge. Whether he is spending time with family and friends, competing in sports, or trying something new, Ohr brings enthusiasm and determination to everything he does.

Sports are a big part of Ohr’s life. He plays competitive hockey for the MadHatters and soccer both at school and in the community. This summer, he was proud to represent Atlanta as a member of the U15 Soccer Maccabi team in Toronto, an experience that gave him the opportunity to compete while also building friendships and connecting with other Jewish athletes. When he is not on the ice or soccer field, Ohr loves surfing, skiing, playing guitar, and spending time with his friends.

Friendship is especially important to Ohr. He is loyal to the people he cares about and values teamwork, camaraderie, and being part of a community. These qualities are reflected not only in the way he approaches sports, but also in the strong friendships he has built along the way.

As part of his bar mitzvah journey, Ohr chose a mitzvah project that combined his love of sports with his connection to Israel. He supported children in Israel by helping provide sports equipment and opportunities for them to participate in athletics. Through the project, Ohr hoped to give other children the chance to experience the confidence, friendship, teamwork, and sense of belonging that sports have brought into his own life. The experience strengthened his connection to Israel and gave special meaning to the Jewish values of generosity, compassion, and helping others.

Ohr celebrated his bar mitzvah with family and friends in Atlanta in April, followed by an incredibly meaningful and emotional celebration in Jerusalem on 1 Av 5786 (July 15, 2026). Being able to mark this important milestone in Jerusalem, together with family from Israel, made the occasion especially memorable. Celebrating in both Atlanta and Jerusalem beautifully reflected the different communities, friendships, family connections, and Jewish traditions that are such an important part of Ohr’s life.

His family is incredibly proud of the young man Ohr is becoming and look forward to watching him continue to grow, explore, challenge himself, and bring his energy and kind heart to everything he does.

Mazel Tov, Ohr!