280 girls. Five months. One Sefer HaMada.
That was the challenge undertaken by high school girls from across the globe as part of Batsheva Learning Center’s High School Chidon Championship. With determination and passion for Torah, these students spent months mastering the Rambam’s foundational sefer.
From the very first day, the students knew they were embarking on something special. The rigorous program demanded that they not only study the material but also develop the skills to navigate the original Hebrew text independently. The monthly exams pushed them to deepen their understanding, and with each test, they gained confidence in their ability to open a sefer and learn on their own.
One participant reflected on the experience: “At first, it seemed like an impossible challenge. But as the weeks went on, I realized how much I was growing. Learning Rambam in its original language, finding references, and understanding complex ideas – it was empowering. I never imagined I’d be able to do this.”
180 students qualified for the Chidon Shabbaton, a weekend retreat in the Poconos designed to celebrate their achievement. From the moment they arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Farbrengens, discussions, and uplifting singing filled the Shabbos with a sense of unity and purpose.
Hadassah Shemtov, director of Batsheva Learning Center, captured the spirit of the weekend: “Seeing so many young women gathered together, all passionate about learning—it was incredible. The energy, the connection, the shared sense of accomplishment—it’s something that will stay with them forever.”
One student summed up the experience in a single word: “Moshiach’dig!”
The excitement continued on Sunday night with the Championship and Award Ceremony. Ten finalists took the stage for an exciting competition to demonstrate their mastery of Sefer HaMada.
Mazal tov to the winners of the High School Chidon 5785!
First Place: Bina Meyers, Ohel Chana High School, Los Angeles
Second Place: Cheli Kagan, Beis Chana High School, Miami
Third Place: Hadassah Bard-Wigdor, Beis Chomesh, Toronto
Finalists:
● Shulamis Levin, Beis Chana Arizona
● Esther Gurevitz, Beis Rivkah Crown Heights
● Chaya Mushka Zavdi, Lubavitch Senior Girls’ School London
● Rivka Zavdi, Lubavitch Senior Girls’ School London
● Mushky Korf, Beis Chaya Mushka Crown Heights
● Batsheva Dubov, Lubavitch Senior Girls’ School London
● Hadassah Landa, Beis Chana Arizona
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of Keren Hachomesh, the foundation that the Rebbe created in memory of the Rebbetzin, and Stacey Goldman, who dedicated the Shabbaton “to all the future talmidos chachamos. May they grow wise learning from wise women!”
As the girls return home, they take with them not just a trophy or a title, but something far greater: a love for learning, a newfound confidence, and a lifelong connection to Torah.
The Chidon may have ended, but the journey of these girls is just beginning.
Such a beautiful opportunity! Thank you Hadassah Shemtov and Devora Silberstein!
Kol hakavod for bringing the Rebbes vision for women learning into reality !!!
Go Cheli!!!! Our true winner!!