Maryland JewQ Finalists Gear Up For International Finale
As the date for the International JewQ Torah Championship draws near, excitement is building among Maryland JewQ finalists. These young scholars have worked tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming competition, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of Jewish teachings and compete against hundreds of other young finalists from 26 countries around the world for the title of JewQ International Champion.
For many of these Hebrew School students, the JewQ program has been a transformative experience, allowing them to delve deeper into their faith and develop a deeper connection to their community. Through a combination of studying in their free time, quizzes and competitive events, the program has inspired a new generation of Jewish leaders, instilling a sense of pride and a commitment to continued learning.
“Empowering young children with the knowledge and love of Judaism is a powerful tool in building a strong Jewish future,” said Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, Chabad’s educational arm, “The JewQ program not only teaches our children about our rich heritage but also empowers them to take ownership of their Jewish identity and bring it home to their families, creating a generation of young leaders who will continue to inspire and educate others for years to come.”
The upcoming tournament in Stamford promises to be a true test of the students’ knowledge and dedication. With competitors from around the world, the event will be a showcase of the best and brightest young minds in the Jewish community. But for the students from Maryland, the journey has already been a victory in itself.
The Maryland Regional JewQ competition saw 35 finalists from grades 4th through 7th answering questions about blessings, the Jewish calendar, and Jewish heroes. Over 200 students from five Hebrew schools in Maryland had been studying for six months in preparation for this event. The students’ dedication and passion for Jewish learning were evident, and their impressive performances at the regional competition secured their spots at the international championship.
The success of the JewQ program in Maryland was evident at the regional event. Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan, Regional Director of Chabad of Maryland, lauded the program’s creativity and ability to reach younger generations. “JewQ is emblematic of the creativity that Chabad utilizes to reach the younger generation,” he said. “The way the JewQ program is built, its curriculum and competition, really grabs their attention and interest.”
The program’s growth over the past year has been nothing short of phenomenal, with an astounding 40% increase in participation from the previous year, as more than 3,500 children from 235 schools worldwide have eagerly joined in. “JewQ’s growth is a testament to the power of harnessing Chabad’s global network. Through each local Shliach accessing and implementing these dynamic programs, the reach and impact become astronomical,” said Kaplan.
As the Maryland students prepare for the international championship, Rabbi Kaplan expressed his pride and confidence in their abilities. “We wish the 20 students competing in the International JewQ Torah Championship the very best of luck,” he said.
Click here to purchase tickets to witness the historical JewQ Championship event this Sunday.
