Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
Show Caption
1 of 15
Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ. (Photo Credit Chabad Main Line)
LOWER MERION – Students from across Pennsylvania gathered at Chabad of the Main Line for an exciting day of learning and competition at the Pennsylvania Jewish Knowledge Championship—JewQ.
“These children are showing the greatest antidote to hate is education and Jewish pride,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Chabad’s Global Networks. “It connects them to their roots, gives them confidence, and helps shape the next generation of proud Jewish leaders.”
The room was buzzing with excitement on Sunday February 9th as participants tested their knowledge of Torah, mitzvot, and Jewish history in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Students from Chabad Montgomery County, Hebrew School of the Arts, CKids Philly After School, and the host location, Chabad of the Main Line, proudly represented their schools.
Open to students in grades three through seven, the competition featured three exciting rounds. In the first round, students faced fast-paced multiple-choice questions, holding up A, B, or C cards to lock in their answers. The second round raised the stakes, challenging competitors to list as many facts as possible on a given topic in just one minute. The third round was a rapid-fire buzzer round, where students raced to buzz in first and answer correctly.
“JewQ transforms learning into something powerful and exciting,” said Rabbi Mendy Cohen, of Chabad of the Main Line and the event’s emcee. “Watching these kids realize how much they’ve learned is truly inspiring. Their knowledge and identity come alive for them in a way that lasts.”
Five students earned championship titles:
* 3rd Grade: Eli Ascher- Chabad Main Line, Jacob Landsburg- CKids Philly After School* 4th Grade: Phoebe Reich- Chabad of Montgomery County* 6th Grade: Mallory Podoshen- Chabad Main Line* 7th Grade: Noah Brownstein- Chabad Main Line
These champions will now prepare to represent Pennsylvania at the JewQ International Torah Championship on March 22, competing against regional winners from more than 250 cities across 25 countries worldwide.
Rabbi Levi Shaw, Director of CKids Philly After School, whose students took part in the competition, shared, “These kids aren’t just studying, they’re embracing their Jewish identity. The excitement and dedication they bring to learning is incredible. JewQ is more than a contest; it’s a gateway to lifelong connection with Torah and mitzvos.”
Participation in JewQ continues to grow across Pennsylvania, especially among students who do not attend Jewish day schools. In a time when antisemitism is on the rise, the program offers a meaningful, engaging way for them to deepen their connection to Judaism.
With parents and community members cheering them on, the event became a true celebration of Jewish pride, learning, and unity.
As Rabbi Cohen reflected, “Every child who stepped forward to compete is a winner. They chose to invest in their Judaism, and that’s something worth celebrating.”