Bible quiz winner
Chaya Leah Kaltmann, a student at Leibler Yavneh College, has won the Victorian state finals of the 2014 Youth Bible Quiz.
Bible Quiz contestants from left: Ariella Woolf (Beth Rivkah Ladies College), Ruth Slonimsky (runner up Beth Rivkah Ladies College) and winner Chaya Leah Kaltmann (Leibler Yavneh College)
The event was hosted by the Zionist Council of Victoria at the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia. Executive Director Jane Rapke said that she was thrilled to have the Bible Quiz back in Melbourne after an absence of a few years.
The intense competition saw runner up Ruth Slonimsky from Beth Rivkah Ladies College as worthy second place finalist.
The Victorian final was moderated by Rabbi Ian Goodhardt and the questions were written by Shira Bloch. Judges Tallilah May, Shira Bloch and Michelle Feiglin were impressed by the level of knowledge shown by the participants.
The quiz was made up of both a written and an oral component and while it was nerve wracking for the students, they handled themselves with great aplomb.
Chaya and Ruth will now go on to compete in the national finals later on in the year. Those who win the Bible Quiz are given the opportunity to go to Israel to participate in the International Bible camp and Quiz.
The girls heard from previous winners Yasmin Schwartz who represented Australia at the 2013 International Bible Quiz in Israel and from Edward Lichtig who was the 2013 runner up and represented Australia in the 2014 International Quiz. Both Yasmin and Edward spoke about their unique opportunity of meeting other people from Israel and from around the world and of experiencing first hand the special connection and unity of the Jewish people.
The third contestant was Beth Rivkah College student Ariella Woolf. President of the Zionist Council, Sam Tatarka said: “I am astounded by the level of knowledge these girls posses. You have to bear in mind that this whole competition and study required for it is completely voluntary.
“These girls have have put a huge amount of learning dedicated to learning our Jewish texts and the hard work required to reach the State final is immense.
“You girls will gain a lot out of the process, particularly in expanding and developing your knowledge of Tanach, study skill and organisation of information. Please remember that no knowledge is ever wasted.”
It was an amazing Experience and I loved it so much! i have gained so much precious Knowledge from it and hope to continue to learn! I hope to be able to try again next Year and suggest that everyone tries! It was so worthwhile and I can only thank those amazing people who have spent time organizing or helping us study. Thank You! Mazal Tov to Chaya Leah and Ruth! You both deserve it so so so much and I wish you Only the best!