Bible Quiz winner off to Israel
The ZFA’s annual national Bible Quiz took place on Tuesday 15 November and was a fantastic display of the commitment of the contestants to their learning and to the Tanach.
Miriam Munz, Benjamin Schwarz (winner), Shmuel Eisenberg (runner up) and their teacher Rabbi Ari Lobel.
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) conducts this Bible Quiz annually, the winners of which are privileged to attend the World Bible Camp and represent Australia in Israel at the International Chidon Tanach. This will take place on Yom Ha’atzmaut 2023 and is broadcast live on Israeli television. The international quiz and camp attended by participants from all over the world is run by the Jewish Agency for Israel in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Education and other organisations. Earlier this year, Australian participant Yoni Moss won the Diaspora Quiz.
This year’s national quiz included nine participants from two schools. The quiz was moderated by Dr Miriam Munz, ZFA Education Chairperson, and judged by Rabbi Shua Solomon. After a nail-biting afternoon with strong competition from all participants, first place was taken out by Sydney’s Kesser Torah’s Benjamin Schwarz, and second place by Shmuel Eisenberg. Both teens have earned themselves a spot at the World Bible Camp, and a place in the Diaspora Quiz where they will fight it out for a spot in the International Quiz.
The Bible Camp is a fun, intensive and unique experience in itself, attended by dozens of representatives from Jewish communities around the world. It is an educational and social camp where participants learn about the Bible and then get the opportunity to explore and tour Israel.
Dr Miriam Munz said, “It was such a pleasure to travel to Sydney for this wonderful event, and I was inspired by the level of knowledge and understanding displayed by the participants. Their commitment to their studies was extraordinary and I commend Benjamin and Shmuel as well as the rest of the contestants for their dedication. Their schools, and indeed their families too, should be incredibly proud of their efforts, and I wish the finalists the very best of luck in Israel.”
