These Southern California Jewish students are filled with pride in their faith after participating in an international Jewish knowledge competition.
A group of 32 young finalists from around the L.A. area and the Inland Empire flew to Parsippany, New Jersey, for the CKids International Shabbaton, a large gathering of Hebrew School families, from March 28 through 30.
Kids from Westwood, Redondo Beach, Rancho Mirage and Newbury Park competed in the JewQ International Torah Championship, an international Jewish knowledge competition. The fast-paced, game show-like event put students’ knowledge of the Jewish faith, Mitzvot commandments, prayers, high holidays and more to the test.
Many of the participants go to public school and are used to being the only Jewish student in their class, officials said. They were proud to represent their cities on an international stage.
The Chabad of Westwood had 99 competitors, and eight students from the Academy of the Arts Hebrew School in Redondo Beach were finalists.
And one Riverside County student took home the top JewQ championship prize. On Sunday, March 30, Rancho Mirage resident and 6th grader Jack Starr was named the “Ultimate Champion,” beating out finalists representing 26 countries. Starr spent months independently and in Hebrew School preparing for the competition, officials said.
“There’s nothing more important today than giving a Jewish child a clear sense of who they are,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, chairman of CKids International. “They return home proud of what they’re part of, connected to thousands of years of heritage, and ready to lead and inspire their peers.”
Chabad International spokesperson Avi Winner said that JewQ has become a source of confidence and pride during a time of rising antisemitism in schools. Families showing up to proudly represent Judaism was important to many who attended.
Reported hate against Jewish communities rose over 50%, a 2024 report from the California Department of Justice said.
Parents said they saw a noticeable shift in the children’s enthusiasm.
“I liked that the program got the kids excited to learn about Judaism,” said Westwood resident Diane Nabati, whose child Mia competed. “Mia studied more for the JewQ challenge than she did for her school.”
Westwood resident Yael Nowfar said her son had a fun, interactive experience.
“The competition was truly helpful in motivating him to study and grow his Jewish knowledge,” Nowfar said.
Third grader Ava Weiner called the weekend amazing, and said she got to meet other kids from across the states.
“The whole weekend made me proud to be a Jew,” Weiner said.
Rabbi Zalman Gordon of Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts led the Redondo Beach team.
“This was more than a competition,” he said. “These kids worked hard, represented their communities with pride, and walked away more connected to their Jewish identity. That’s a victory in itself.”
Staff writer Allyson Vergara contributed to this report.