The room was buzzing on Sunday, February 22, as students from more than 20 Montreal public schools gathered at Hebrew Champions of Beth Chabad CSL for the citywide Jewish Knowledge Championship.
The young scholars in grades 3–7 have been studying Jewish history, mitzvos, brachos, and traditions, reviewing and testing each other in preparation for the big event.
“They are excited about what they’re learning.” said Mrs. Chany Zagury of Free Hebrew for Juniors, “The students have been learning and discussing their Jewish heritage for months,”
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CKids International at Merkos 302, said, “When you see kids stand on stage and answer questions about their heritage with confidence and joy, that’s the real victory. They’re owning who they are.”
The championship ran in a lively game-show format. Rabbi Pinny Gniwisch, show host, kept the pace fun and fast, with questions that had both contestants and audience involved. Parents and classmates watched in amazement as students confidently tackled question after question.
“It was so exciting to watch the audience get so involved,” said Mrs. Chaya Labkowski of Chabad TMR. “Parents, siblings, and friends, cheering them on.”
This year’s grade champions were:
Grade 3: Aviva Syrovatka – Hebrew Champions Beth Chabad CSL Grade 4: Adam Stieger – Chabad VSL Community Hebrew School Grade 5: Sarah Chaya Mazal – Free Hebrew for Juniors Grade 6: Gabriel Rafai Far – Chabad VSL Hebrew School Grade 7: Yitzchak Nataf – Chabad of the Town Hebrew School
Each Hebrew school also crowned an elite champion, the student who achieved the highest overall average across three qualifying tests:
David Serour from Chabad Westminster Hebrew School
Chaya Gross from Hebrew Champions Beth Chabad CSL
Lily Palatz from Chabad VSL Community Hebrew School
Nathaniel Sagar from Free Hebrew for Juniors
Rachel Cohene from Chabad of the Town Hebrew School
Students clutched their trophies, but the real energy came from the crowd: parents snapping photos, classmates trading high-fives.
“The excitement when they get the answer correct is priceless!” shared Mrs. Leah Silberstein of Chabad VSL. “It’s exciting to watch these kids showcase their Torah knowledge.”
“Winning JewQ isn’t just about the trophy,” a contestant shared. “Every question I answered made me feel closer to who I am. It makes me proud to be Jewish.”
Now, Montreal’s champions are setting their sights on an even bigger stage. They will travel to New York to compete in the grand JewQ International Gameshow, joining finalists from around the world for the biggest stage in Jewish knowledge.
Registration for the highly anticipated JewQ International Shabbaton is open at shabbaton.ckids.org
