VENICE, FL — The journey home was quiet — four exhausted students drifting off to sleep after three days of non-stop activity. Medals hung around their necks: Bronze for Naomi Cole, Hayden (Chananya) Campbell, and Evan (Tovi Shai) Solares, and Silver for Michael Tompakov. These four students from Hebrew School of the Arts in Venice had just accomplished something remarkable at the 2025 JewQ International Torah Championship in Parsippany, NJ.
The Venice students were among 63 finalists selected from over 4,000 Jewish children worldwide who competed in regional competitions throughout the year. Their journey began months earlier, studying the CKids “Living Jewish” curriculum after school, on weekends, and in Hebrew School under the guidance of Rabbi Sholom and Chaya Rivka Schmerling of Chabad of Venice.
The championship weekend began with a profound visit to the Ohel, the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. “Rabbi,” one student whispered, “everyone here is Jewish. I didn’t know there were so many Hebrew School kids out there.”
As Shabbat descended, the Venice children settled in, finding new international friends and comparing their Hebrew School experiences. During the meals and programs, they asked thoughtful questions and offered insights that caught even other program directors by surprise.
“Our students came into this year’s JewQ determined to grow,” said Rebbetzin Chaya Rivka Schmerling, who has guided the children through multiple years of study. “From day one, they showed up ready to take responsibility for their own learning. They didn’t just memorize facts — they connected with them.”
The Havdalah concert Saturday night transformed the experience as hundreds of children linked arms, singing “Am Yisroel Chai.” The Venice students were fully immersed — swaying, singing, joining dance circles with newfound confidence. These weren’t the same students who sometimes seem shy at traditional services. Here, surrounded by peers, they discovered the infectious power of Jewish unity.
Sunday’s JewQ Championship — live-streamed across the world on a massive stage — was the culmination of their efforts. As they received their medals for their knowledge of Torah and Jewish history before a cheering crowd, it was clear this moment represented something larger than an academic achievement.
“They earned these medals with hard work and heart,” said Rabbi Sholom Schmerling. “In a time when many kids feel uncertain about being visibly Jewish, our students stepped onto a global stage and embraced it. That’s leadership.”
Ruth Cole, Naomi’s mother, witnessed the transformation firsthand. “We saw her grow more confident in her Jewish identity week after week. Watching her receive that medal — it’s a moment we’ll never forget. We’re proud beyond words.”
“In today’s world, there’s no greater gift for a Jewish child than knowing who they are,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CKids International. “When young scholars like these Venice students pour their hearts into learning, connect with peers from across the globe, and return home brimming with knowledge and pride, they become true leaders — uplifting everyone around them.”
As the Venice students prepared to leave, one was overheard telling a new friend, “In Venice, sometimes it feels like Jews are so small. But now I know we’re really big.”
Now back in Venice, the ripple effects are already visible. The students have kept in touch with friends from other communities. They ask deeper questions during Hebrew School. They wear their Jewish identity more visibly and proudly.
“We hope our students’ journey inspires more families here in Venice to explore their heritage, to embrace learning, and to dream bigger than they thought possible,” said Rabbi Schmerling. “Because what happened on that stage wasn’t just a success for these four children — it was a success for all of us.”
About CKids of Venice
CKids of Venice, led by Rabbi Sholom and Chaya Rivka Schmerling, is part of the Chabad Children’s Network, the world’s largest Jewish educational movement. Through engaging curriculum, innovative programming, and warm community connections, CKids empowers Jewish children in Southwest Florida to explore and embrace their Jewish heritage with pride, knowledge, and joy.
