My husband and I did not grow up observant. After each of our journeys led us to Yiddishkeit, we met, married, and have fully embraced a frum lifestyle, Baruch Hashem, and have raised a beautiful frum family in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Last year, for the first time, two of our children joined an incredible program that, to our family, felt like a dream come true! They were privileged to participate in Chidon, a competition that challenges young minds in their knowledge of Torah and mitzvos.
We live in Brazil, so the timing of the competition posed a unique challenge: while the first round of tests took place during the school year, the others were given during our summer vacation. Balancing studies with travel and camp was a true test of focus and dedication.
We were told about a special trip in New York which my kids were eligible to join. Despite the logistical challenges involved in attending such a program—hours of travel, multiple flight connections, and a search for accommodations—we were committed to making this experience a reality for our children.
Our first stop in New York was the Ohel, where we expressed our gratitude to the Rebbe for the incredible opportunity to be part of Chidon. Following that, we went to pick up the prizes which my children had earned. They were overjoyed (to say the least!), and proudly donned the Chidon sweatshirts, which they continued to wear throughout the entire week. What makes these sweatshirts so special is that they aren’t available for sale in stores; only participants who’ve successfully completed the competition could earn them. This added a deep sense of pride and belonging, a bond that extended beyond the trip itself. As we walked through the streets of Crown Heights, people recognized my children as participants from another country and eagerly congratulated them—gestures that were both moving and rewarding.
During the Chidon trip, my boys participated in several wonderful activities. They also had the opportunity to meet and converse with children from other places, forming connections and new friendships. By Hashgacha Pratis, the trip took place on the Rebbetzin’s birthday, and I went to attend the davening at 770. The experience was incredibly powerful as I watched hundreds of boys—all who had spent the past many months diligently studying about the Torah and its mitzvos—daven with such heartfelt devotion. Even more emotional for me was to see my own children among them.
Later, I had the unique privilege of attending the Chidon Game Show. Words cannot fully capture the excitement of the moment! It felt as though I was watching a live TV show, but with the added dimension that the contestants were young boys answering Torah-related questions. The level of organization was impeccable, and I was genuinely impressed by how the event not only entertained, but also inspired.
The efforts were well worth it when my son turned to me and said, “Ima, now I feel that all my hard work is paying off.”
We returned to our home in Brazil with a deep sense of fulfillment, and my children spent the rest of the year reflecting on, and reliving, those moments. Their excitement was contagious, and even encouraged my daughter to participate in Chidon this year. Thus, this time, all three of my children took part and shared ideas, information, and tips with each other to prepare for the tests.
This year in Shvat, our entire family traveled to the Rebbe for the hanachas tefillin of one of my sons. Despite the timing being close to the annual Chidon trip (which my daughter has been eagerly awaiting), it was unanimously decided that she, too, could not miss a family trip to the Rebbe. So, while we were already organizing one New York trip for the hanachas tefillin, we also made sure to start planning my daughter’s trip to New York for Chidon. Indeed, she and my husband just returned home from their second overseas flight in the span of a few short weeks. But we all know that it was 100% worth it.
My daughter came back gushing about her experience. “It was wonderful, Ima! So worth it! When I was learning all the material, I had no idea what it would be like. I’m so happy I got to experience Chidon for myself!”
For me, watching my children study with such dedication and share the important lessons that they’ve learned has been deeply fulfilling. It’s also heartwarming to see them bring their books along on trips and vacations, always prioritizing their studies. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of deepening my knowledge of the five books of Chidon while learning alongside my children. This experience has allowed me to complete the circle of the 613 mitzvos and has undoubtedly contributed to my own continuous growth in Yiddishkeit.
And beyond all of that, this journey has not only enriched our personal knowledge base, but has also deeply strengthened our family bond.
It’s a beautiful testament to the power of education, tradition, and the enduring impact of the mitzvos which we proudly live by every day.
I was wowed by the Girls Game Show last week, and I’m looking forward to watching the Boys Event live this Thursday (Adar 27 / March 27) at 12 p.m. ET at www.thechidon.com and on COLlive.com.
Chaia Director
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
