JewQ International Torah Championship (5786) LIVE!

Top Finalists from 25 Countries Compete for International Torah Title

Regional champions from 25 countries compete for the title of JewQ International Champion in the finale of the International Jewish Knowledge Competition. The high-stakes event culminates a program that reached over 4,200 young scholars across 250 communities, many the only Jewish students in their schools, studying independently amid growing challenges facing Jewish youth.

The finalists on stage today in front of 1200 family, friends and fans. They represent the top performers from the world’s largest network of Jewish children who studied independently, often outside of school hours, to master the JewQ “Living Jewish” curriculum. The competition is the centerpiece of the CKids International Shabbaton, the largest summit for Hebrew School families in the world, hosted by CKids, Chabad’s global children’s network, which reaches 175,000 children across 2,700 classrooms and 750 Hebrew Schools.

“In today’s world, there’s no greater gift for a Jewish child than knowing who they are,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of Chabad's Global Networks. “JewQ gives them that clarity and deep understanding. Win or not, these kids return home, proud, confident, and unshakably connected to their heritage.”

JewQ’s unique format turns Torah education into an engaging challenge. Through a combination of gamified learning and independent study, children absorb key concepts in Jewish life and tradition, often in communities where Jewish education is otherwise limited.

JewQ is inspired by the educational philosophy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who emphasized that children are not only future leaders, but leaders today. He taught that a child’s natural competitive spirit and excitement to learn and share knowledge are powerful forces for strengthening Jewish life.

The championship features a fast-paced quiz format, celebrity guest appearances, and a moving award ceremony. While only the finalists are competing today, their peers, thousands of them, are watching from around the world, many gathered in their local Chabad centers to cheer them on.