Students from 10 Hebrew schools across Long Island recently represented their communities on the JewQ stage at the regional championship event.
Over the past few weeks, JewQ champions have been studying harder than ever in anticipation of this regional championship event.
“I’m amazed by how much Jewish knowledge our school’s Champs have mastered, and all on their own time,” says Rabbi Berel Paltiel, director of Chabad Hebrew School in Port Washington. He is thrilled with the results of his Hebrew school’s third consecutive year in the program which has 2,000 participating contestants internationally.
The Long Island competition is just one in a series of regional events taking place across the globe before the international Shabbaton weekend and grand Championship finale event this March. contestants are motivated to earn a spot in this unforgettable weekend experience, this year in Princeton, New Jersey, which brings parents and kids together for thrilling adventures and meaningful Jewish experiences.
But the biggest motivation for kids is the knowledge gained. “The learning was fun,” says Simon Gaspar, a 3rd grader at the Chabad Hebrew School in Port Washington, “I actually just loved JewQ, even without the prizes.”
After the excitement of the regional championship, JewQ finalists count down to the final test. Kids are studying harder and harder, memorizing facts and reviewing information. “My daughter takes this more seriously than any of her classes at school,” one parent told a shliach.
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, chairman of the Chabad Kids Network, is most impressed by the students’ excitement. “Seeing the children so passionate about their heritage assures us a bright Jewish future.”
JewQ is designed to give students grades 3-6 the opportunity to master the fundamentals of Jewish knowledge. Each contestant receives the full color “Living Jewish” hand book along with a study guide. The program is open to all Chabad Hebrew School students. For more information call Rabbi Berel at 516.767.8672 or email Berel@chabadpw.org.
