1,000 Traverse the Globe to Draw Strength at Largest Gathering of Hebrew School Families
From Sydney to Portugal, Buenos Aires to Montreal, you can spot them — kids in JewQ sweatshirts, memorizing mitzvahs in airport terminals and flipping flashcards in backseats.
More than 1,000 parents and children from 26 countries and 175 cities are converging for the CKids International Shabbaton, the largest gathering of Hebrew School families in the world. In a time of rising challenges, the weekend offers a powerful source of strength, pride, and connection for Jewish families worldwide.
“Rather than sit back and worry about Jewish continuity or antisemitism, we must teach our kids to be knowledgeable Jews,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CKids International. “This is about raising children who are proud to live Jewishly — standing tall, empowered by thousands of years of their heritage.”
Many families are arriving with their local Chabad Hebrew School teachers and directors, who have guided them through months of learning and JewQ preparation. “We are eagerly looking forward to spending this immersive weekend with families from around the world who value, celebrate, and prioritize Jewish education,” said Rabbi Raleigh and Fruma Resnik of Chabad Tri-Valley, CA, who are leading a group of 22 from their region.
Hosted by CKids International, the world’s largest Jewish children’s organization, the Shabbaton offers a three-day immersive experience: joyful Shabbat celebrations, global friendships, and Sunday’s grand finale — the JewQ International Torah Championship, where the finalists of over 4,000 competitors battle for the top trophy after months of self-driven study.
Most of the children here attend public schools. Many are the only Jewish students in their class. Yet they’ve chosen to learn about their heritage on evenings, weekends, and between classes — often with little outside reinforcement.
“Seeing our daughter Eliana on stage, confidently competing and shining, is truly a dream come true,” said Dina Niazov, who traveled with her family from Hollywood, FL, where her children attend the Chabad Hebrew School led by Rabbi Motti and Raizy Dubov. “We’re so proud of her and grateful for this incredible opportunity. It’s our first-ever Shabbaton, and we’re so excited to be part of it.”
For families coming from smaller or isolated communities, the experience carries even more meaning.
“We’re bringing families from different backgrounds, different cities, but with the same question in their hearts: what does it mean to be Jewish today?” said Rebbetzin Sheinie Rosenfeld of Chabad Bogotá. “This weekend answers that not with lectures, but with connection, camaraderie, and joy.”
In Bogota, 55 children joined the local JewQ club this year, 20 advanced to regionals in Cali, and two were selected to represent the country in finals—a first-time milestone for the community.
Friday begins with a visit to the Ohel, where families will bring handwritten prayers from their communities, asking for peace in the holy land, healing, and strength in this time. The evening features a pre-Shabbos candle-lighting ceremony and concert, followed by spirited davening and meals filled with singing, inspiration, and dancing late into the night. leading into a high-energy Havdalah concert on Motzei Shabbos.
While the children compete, parents attend a robust track of critical workshops addressing the complex realities of Jewish parenting today — from screen addiction and TikTok culture to post-October 7 trauma, antisemitism in public schools, and the challenge of raising proud Jewish children in a chaotic world.
“This generation of parents is carrying so much,” said Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, Director of CKids International at Merkos 302. “This weekend gives them a rare chance to step back, reflect, connect with others on the same journey and draw strength from one another.”
The JewQ is inspired by the Rebbe’s vision of channeling children’s energy and competitive spirit to deepen their connection to their Jewish heritage. He viewed children not just as students, but as natural educators — capable of influencing their peers and inspiring others when given the tools and confidence to do so. JewQ was created with this in mind, using competition as a catalyst for learning, excitement, and Jewish pride.
This year’s Shabbaton is dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky OB”M, who passionately spearheaded the CKids and JewQ movement.
