Jacksonville students awarded medals at International Jewish Knowledge Competition
Three students from Jacksonville have been awarded medals at the International JewQ Competition, which took place in Stamford, CT.
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Fourth grader Samantha Rossi and 5th graders DJ Becker and Luca Rossi were the three winners proudly representing Jacksonville. They showcased an impressive mastery of Jewish knowledge.
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After several long months of hard work and preparation at the GROW after-school program at Chabad of St. Johns, they took home a gold medal and two bronze medals, respectively.
Now in its fifth year, the International JewQ Competition is an annual event that displays and celebrates months of learning put forth by Hebrew school students. The contestants are tasked with passing several rounds of exams on a local level. The top performers from each region then compete in the international championship.
This year’s event saw 300 students compete in the final competition.
After excelling in the regional rounds, Samantha, DJ, and Luca advanced to the international level. Giving it their all as they competed against other students from around the world, they were finally announced as the recipients of their respective medals.
The students’ success is a testament to the high-quality education that the GROW after-school program provides to its students. The program focuses on Jewish studies, Hebrew language, and Jewish culture. It has helped students develop a deep understanding of their heritage.
Expressing his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition, DJ couldn’t have been happier.
“I am so happy to have won a medal at JewQ,” DJ said. “It was a great experience, and I learned so much. I want to thank my parents and my teachers at GROW for believing in me and helping me along the way.”
Mrs. Dini Sharfstein, director of the GROW after-school program, praised her students’ achievements.
“We are extremely proud of Samantha, DJ, and Rossi and their outstanding performance at JewQ,” Sharfstein said. “Their dedication and hard work have paid off, and they are a shining example of what our students can achieve,” Sharfstein said.
The JewQ program, developed by CKids, Chabad’s Children’s Network, enrolls 3,500 Hebrew school students from 26 countries, providing an engaging curriculum, exciting incentives, and culminating in the international competition. The program is designed to encourage children to learn about the fundamentals of their Jewish heritage.
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Chairman of CKids, acknowledged the children’s accomplishments and encouraged them to continue in their positive efforts.
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“The JewQ program not only teaches our children about our rich heritage but also empowers them to take ownership of their Jewish identity, creating a generation of young leaders who will continue to inspire and educate others for years to come,” Rabbi Kotlarsky said.
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