Some of Brooklyn’s most dedicated young Jewish minds gathered at the Chabad Seabreeze Jewish Center for the highly anticipated South Brooklyn Regional JewQ Championship. The event, part of the global JewQ competition, brought together students from 14 local public schools across Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, and Mill Basin, including Mark Twain, PS100, PS207, and PS236. Competing in front of hundreds, these students showcased their knowledge of Jewish history, traditions, and values, vying for a chance to advance to the prestigious JewQ International Torah Championship.
Organized by Rabbi and Mrs. Charytan of Chabad Mill Basin, Rabbi and Mrs. Teitelbaum of Chabad Sheepshead Bay, and Rabbi and Mrs. Steifel of Chabad Neshama in Brighton Beach, the competition was designed for public school students with little to no formal Jewish education. By engaging in a dynamic, game show-style tournament, participants strengthened their Jewish identity and pride in an era of rising antisemitism.
“We are extremely proud of the dedication these students have shown,” said Rabbi Moshe Winner of Chabad Neshama in Brighton Beach. “They are an inspiration to their friends and our entire community to be prouder and more dedicated Jews.”
The JewQ competition, a flagship initiative of CKids, Chabad’s Children’s Network, has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. This year, over 4,000 children from 250 cities in 25 countries participated in the rigorous four-month study program, delving into topics such as prayer, holidays, historical figures, and Jewish customs. The program is overseen by Rabbi Mendel Raskin, who runs JewQ for CKids, ensuring that children around the world have the opportunity to connect with their Jewish heritage in a meaningful and engaging way.
“In today’s environment, where Jewish children face many challenges in school and online, there’s nothing more empowering than a solid understanding of their heritage,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad Headquarters. “Watching these children learn and compete instills hope and confidence in a bright Jewish future.”
After an intense competition, three outstanding students emerged victorious, securing their spots at the JewQ International Torah Championship in Parsippany, NJ, from March 28-30:
• Joshua Stepansky – Mill Basin Hebrew School
• Daniella Mardechayev – Sheepshead Bay Hebrew School
• Max Zangrillo – Jewish Kids Club @ Chabad Neshama in Brighton Beach
While only the top winners from each regional competition will compete on the Grand JewQ Championship Stage, all students who have studied JewQ are invited to attend the CKids Shabbaton and will be honored with a medal on the prestigious JewQ stage, recognizing their dedication and hard work.
For these young scholars, the CKids Shabbaton & JewQ Championship is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to connect with Jewish peers from around the world. “Being surrounded by Jewish people was my favorite part,” shared Nathan Kalenderav, a past participant. Chloe Mardechayev echoed the sentiment, reflecting on how the experience helped her “make new Jewish friends.” Beyond the excitement of the championship itself, many students look forward to the special trips and activities throughout the Shabbaton weekend. “My favorite part of the Shabbaton is all the trips they take you on,” said Joshua Stepansky, one of this year’s Brooklyn regional winners.
The Brooklyn Regional is one of the first of many competitions leading up to the JewQ International Torah Championship. In the coming weeks, regional contests will take place worldwide, determining which students will earn the honor of competing on the grand stage.
With the momentum building, anticipation is high for the upcoming championship. As these young scholars continue their journey, they carry with them not just knowledge, but a strengthened Jewish identity and pride that will last a lifetime.
