A triumph of Jewish learning

ALMOST 900 children from 27 Orthodox schools across the UK — and one from Israel — came together at Wembley Stadium to test their Jewish knowledge at the annual Etgar Challenge this week.

Now in its fifth year, the cross-communal quiz day tested teams of Year 5 pupils on Judaism and Jewish history. Children also showcased their creative talents, making their own newspaper front page, a rap and a poster.

Kerem School, from Hampstead Garden Suburb, was named the best-performing school across all challenges, while one of the teams from Edgware’s Beit Shvidler Primary School came out on top in the quiz, scoring 96 out of 100.

Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School in North Finchley took home the prize for best newspaper front page, about the sixth day of creation, judged by JC editor Stephen Pollard.

Mr Pollard said: “This front page was witty and looked like a newspaper. It was accurate and it made us smile.”

Some of the children already knew each other, but many met for the first time to share food, dance and singing, with Rabbi Marc Levene leading musical entertainment.

Pupils from schools outside London relished the opportunity to mix with other nine- and 10-year-olds who share their faith.

“There aren’t that many other Jewish people in Leeds,” said Danny Bootle, a pupil at Brodetsky Primary School in Leeds. “It’s amazing here. It makes you feel less alone. It’s really fun seeing so many other Jewish kids.”

Shai Portnoy, who goes to North Cheshire Jewish Primary School added: “In south Manchester there aren’t so many Jews. There are in north Manchester. But where we live people aren’t that open about being Jewish. Here everybody is Jewish. You don’t have to hide it.”

Shai also revealed that his cousin was on a winning team last year, and although he didn’t want to “embarrass her” he felt he had to at least match her achievement. Fortunately his school picked up the award for the best poster, on the subject of teaching others the Alef Bet.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis addressed the children at the quiz, reminding them of the fun that Torah study can bring.

“There is only one day of the year that Torah study is forbidden – and that is Tisha B’Av, which is in four weeks’ time,” said Rabbi Mirvis. “But why is it forbidden? It is because it is the saddest day of the year, and studying the Torah brings us happiness.

“Judaism equals fun. This is connected to everything within our Jewish tradition.”

Joining the 26 British Orthodox schools was one from Israel, King Solomon in Ramat Gan. Its headteacher, Rabbi Cobi Ebrahimoff, is also head of Hendon’s Independent Jewish Day School.

The Israeli children and their teachers arrived in the UK on Monday for a week-long stay in London. Before the Etgar Challenge they had already visited the Houses of Parliament, although the highlight of the trip lay elsewhere for pupil Nicole Mirilashvili.

“We went to the Parliament, it was really fun. It was my first time there. And we also went to Starbucks! That was good, too.”

The children at Wembley enjoyed the competition, pizza and dancing as well as the teamwork aspect of taking part.

Shoshi Ellituv, from Hasmonean Primary School, in Hendon, said: “It’s really fun – we’re all working together to learn about Jewish history.”

Jo Rosenfelder, Etgar co-founder and director, said: “It’s great to have so many schools take part. It was our biggest event yet.

“The northern schools always talk about how much they look forward to it and you can see the children engaging.”

It’s really fun seeing so many other Jewish kids