Quiz Show: Middle Schoolers Test Their Torah Knowledge in National Competition

This year, Beth Tfiloh Dahan Middle School students are participating in the National Bible Contest (Chidon Hatanach) for the first time, thanks to the efforts of Judaics teachers Rabbi Abrahams and Rabbi Krawatsky. The Chidon is a national contest sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel for American Jewish students in grades 6-11.

Last week, three students—Noah F. ’18, Selena S. ’20 and Joshua C. ’19. —qualified for the national test, answering questions covering all of Sefer Bereishit (the Book of Genesis), Sefer Shoftim (the Book of Judges) and 17 chapters from Sefer Tehillim (the Book of Psalms). On May 11th, they will travel to New York to participate in the National Bible Contest finals, where they will compete with students from across the country for an all-expenses paid trip to Israel and the chance to participate in the International Bible Chidon.

Comments Rabbi Abrahams, “This is a unique opportunity that has provided Beth Tfiloh students who have a special love for our holy Tanach an opportunity to really improve their knowledge of all three sections of Tanach, and test their knowledge against other Tanach students from across the world.” He adds, “All our students rose to the occasion, and really shone.”

How do you study for a contest like this?

Noah F. says that, so far, he has studied “every Monday at lunch,” but that over the next two months, he hopes to expand his study time to “half an hour to an hour every day,” reading through the material and taking quizzes available in the study guide. How does he feel about the upcoming national competition?

“Nervous.”

“The amount of effort expanded by all the participants is truly inspiring,” observes Rabbi Oratz, Middle School Principal. “I’m proud of all those who participated, and look forward to National competition in May…and to an even a bigger delegation next year!”

Hatzlacha rabba – best of luck – to all of our Chidon Hatanach contestants!

Test yourself!
Here are some sample Chidon Hatanach questions:

1) How did Sisera’s mother explain to herself why he was late returning form battle?
a) He must have died as a hero in battle
b) He must be pushing his army deeper into Israel
c) He must have gotten drunk at a victory celebration
d) He must be busy dividing the spoils

2) Who had 30 sons and also married off 30 daughters outside of the clan?
a) Ibzan of Bethlehem
b) Abdon son of Hillel
c) Elon the Zebulunite
d) Jair the Gileadite

3) Fill in the blank: “And God likewise repaid __________ for all their wickedness.”
a) The men of Succoth
b) The men of Shechem
c) The Israelites
d) The men of Dan