For Natalya Murakhver, Jewish identity has always been part of her life. She left the Soviet Union at age six, grew up speaking Hebrew with her Israeli relatives, and passionate about Jewish culture and spirituality. Yet once she became a parent, and world events brought new challenges, she found her children needed something more.
“We never had a steady synagogue, and with COVID, everything shut down,” said Murakhver, founder of the nonprofit RestoreChildhood and mother of JewQ Champion Clementine. “Strange ideologies were creeping in, and it felt like a spiritual crisis. We needed something beyond Jewish storybooks; we needed a real community.”
A friend suggested Chabad of the Upper West Side, and after a brief conversation with Mrs. Sarah Alevsky, she decided to enroll her younger daughter, Clementine, in the local Hebrew School program. From her very first class, Clementine was hooked.
“The first time she walked in, she said, ‘I love this place so much. I can’t decide who my favorite teacher is,’” Murakhver recalled.
Before long, with the help of Rabbi Eliyahu and Shayna Sapo of CKids UWS, Clementine discovered JewQ, the international Torah study competition engaging over 4,000 children worldwide. She thrived in the fun, gamified, structured environment and ultimately became a JewQ finalist, traveling to the CKids Shabbaton last year with her mother by her side.
“I really loved JewQ, because at the Shabbaton, I really connected with everyone,” said Clementine, now ten-and-a-half. “They were so nice, and I made great friends. Since it’s a competition, it motivates you to study—and the weekend was so cool, with trips and the big championship game show.”
The Shabbaton, which brings together hundreds of young scholars who have competed in regional JewQ championships in 250 cities worldwide, combines Shabbos meals, lively learning sessions, and a culminating championship. According to Clementine, it offered the perfect setting to deepen her Jewish pride alongside like-minded peers.
Clementine also noted that current events make her appreciate these gatherings even more: “I enjoy being Jewish and learning about it, but it’s difficult hearing what’s going on in Israel.” In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, she feels a renewed need to stand alongside fellow Jews and embrace her heritage.
Each year, the CKids Shabbaton gathers participants from 25 countries around the globe to celebrate Jewish identity in a warm, all-embracing environment. “We want children to feel proud and excited about who they are,” says Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, director of CKids International at Merkos 302. “It’s not just studying facts—it’s living and experiencing them together, which forges a real sense of belonging.”
“The Shabbaton creates a unique atmosphere, uniting Jewish families from all backgrounds through their commitment to their children’s education,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CKids and Executive Director of Merkos 302. “In today’s world, this dedication is deeply inspiring. We hope the weekend strengthens their sense of connection and reminds them that we are in this together—now more than ever.”
Scheduled for March 28–30 at the Hilton Parsippany in New Jersey, this year’s CKids Shabbaton features a special parent track, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson and Mrs. Jacobson offering insights into navigating Jewish life today. On Sunday, young scholars take the stage in the International JewQ Torah Championship, organized by Rabbi Mendel Raskin of JewQ International, capped by a live performance from singer Eli Marcus.
While this year, Clementine may be in a new Jewish day school today, she looks forward to the reunion atmosphere. “Many kids who are Jewish go to public school and don’t get this kind of education,” she said. “But at JewQ, everyone’s learning, we’re making good friends, and the stories we pick up are so interesting.”
For Murakhver, the weekend represents much more than a competition—“I didn’t know something like this existed until someone mentioned Chabad,” she said. “It changed our lives because it gave us a place to breathe spiritually. In times like these, that can make all the difference.”
The Shabbaton is open to all kids taking part in JewQ, as well as Chabad House families curious to explore the lively, welcoming CKids community. Registration details and the full schedule are available at ckids.org/shabbaton.
