This Sunday, Communities Around the World Rally Behind Their Champions
This Sunday, as the lights dim and the JewQ International Championship goes live from New Jersey, parents, friends, and fans across six continents will gather in Chabad Hebrew Schools—watching, cheering, and celebrating together. In 143 communities worldwide, JewQ Watch Parties will bring thousands of children and parents into the heart of the action, transforming the finale into a global celebration of Jewish pride and Torah learning.
The JewQ Championship marks the culmination of months of independent study by 4,012 children from 250 communities. Most attend public schools, many are the sole Jewish students in their class, and each has carved out time to master Torah fundamentals on their own. While finalists take the stage in person, their classmates, parents, and supporters will be tuning in through Watch Parties—sharing in their triumphs, energy, and passion.
In Mississauga-Oakville, Ontario, excitement is already running high. “JewQ has been part of our Hebrew school for years,” said Mrs. Sara Slavin, Shluchah and director of the Miriam Robbins Chabad Hebrew School. “We have two students attending the Shabbaton this year, and the community is showing up to support them. We want the kids here to feel the excitement, to see what they worked toward all year. When they see the energy in the room, it inspires them. They want to go for it next year.”
One of Slavin’s students, Daniel Marquez, took home the third-grade trophy last year and his win rippled across the community. “You can feel it,” she said. “There’s an atmosphere, a spark. They’re proud.”
The JewQ Watch Party initiative began as a simple idea from Shluchim: how to include every child who participated in JewQ, even those who didn’t qualify for the final round in NJ. It quickly evolved into a global network of shared experiences. In Chabad community centers from Maryland to Melbourne, JewQ Watch Parties have become a staple, complete with real-time quizzes, themed decor, and Torah learning celebrations.
“The competition is real,” said Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, Director of CKids International. “But the goal is bigger: to build unity, confidence, and commitment through Torah study.” The Rebbe emphasized that kinas sofrim tarbeh chochma—when you create a healthy spirit of competition in Torah, it uplifts everyone. That’s what we see here.”
In a time of mounting challenges for Jewish families around the world, Jewish education remains one of the clearest answers—a source of strength, clarity, and connection. JewQ, powered by CKids at Merkos 302, is inspired by the Rebbe’s belief in competition as a tool to deepen knowledge, build confidence, and uplift community through Torah.
“In today’s world, these kids are proving that knowledge is power,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “There’s unparalleled strength that comes from having a strong grasp of your heritage. It gives the children thousands of years to stand on—and that’s how you raise proud, resilient Jewish leaders.”
That philosophy has guided the JewQ program since its inception in 2018. Inspired by the teachings of the Rebbe, JewQ gamifies education, tapping into a child’s natural drive—to excel, to share, to connect. “Children are natural educators,” the Rebbe taught. “When they learn something new, their first instinct is to share their new discovery. Even the sometimes negative impulse to outshine a friend can be used for goodness and ultimately unity.”
The CKids network spans 125,000 children, 2,500 classrooms, 700 Hebrew schools, six overnight camps, and 222 day camps. JewQ has become a pillar within that framework, with its “Living Jewish” curriculum studied in 250 communities around the world. And on Sunday at 12:00 PM ET, they’ll all be watching.
From Cape Town to California, from Caracas to Crown Heights, JewQ Watch Parties will turn classrooms into hubs of Jewish joy and community pride. “Hosting a Watch Party is simple,” said Rabbi Mendel Raskin, director of JewQ International at Merkos 302. “But its impact reaches far. It gives kids a moment of belonging, recognition, and joy. For many, it’s one of the most powerful moments of the year.”
The livestream is available at Chabad.org/JewQ. Communities worldwide will be tuning in at 12:00 PM ET this Sunday, March 30.
Shluchim, use the editable template for a custom flyer to invite your community, family and friends to watch your local champion shine.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGixJ19qmo/OKdcFzdA1FwnQFCCXpXZ0w/view?utm_content=DAGixJ19qmo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview
