Judaism has unique traditions and a rich heritage.  I love celebrating the holidays with my family and learning how my mom and her family celebrated when she was growing up.  Becoming a Bar Mitzvah shows how I have developed character, commitment, and patience. Our Jewish tradition teaches that my Bar Mitzvah makes me a Jewish adult in the eyes of the community.  One thing I have learned is that it is important for me to keep learning about my Jewish faith. Learning how to read and chant Torah and Haftarah has been an exciting challenge. It amazes me how much I have learned and how much I have yet to learn about our faith. I look forward to contributing my energy to help our community.  As a Jewish adult, I plan to keep learning and living with Judaism by staying active and celebrating and learning about all of our holidays.

For my Bar Mitzvah project I chose to volunteer as an assistant for the Jewish Community Center youth basketball program.  I helped little kids learn about the sport I love the most.  It was so much fun seeing young athletes get excited about basketball like I did when I was little. I am so excited about becoming a Bar Mitzvah and can’t wait to see what is ahead of me in my Jewish life.

Cole is the son of Todd and Stacey Schanzlin.  He is the brother of Michael and Ava.  He is the grandson of Ronald and Sharon Kaplan who live in Harrisburg, PA and Donald and Patricia Schanzlin who live in Phillipsburg, NJ.  Words of Mazel Tov can be sent to skschanzlin@yahoo.com.