2008 Victorian Youth Bible Quiz winner is Noa Bloch, continuing a family tradition of quiz achievement

Noa Bloch, 14, a student at Beth Rivkah Ladies’ College, yesterday won the Victorian state finals of the 2008 Youth Bible Quiz in front of a crowd of more than 150 people at Beth Weizmann Community Centre.
The nail-biting finish saw runner-up Doovie Kaltmann from Leibler Yavneh College complete the quiz just 1 point behind Noa.

Noa, overwhelmed and excited, was back at school today and her mother, Naomi Bloch said “We are thrilled about Noa’s win and very proud of her.”

She emphasised that Noa gained a lot out of the process, particularly expanding and developing her knowledge of Tanach, study skills and organization of information.

Asked about the amount of learning dedicated to winning the Bible Quiz, Naomi Bloch said it was “…a lot of hard work; you can’t get there without it”.

The Bloch family has an outstanding tradition of achievement in the Bible Quiz with Noa’s 3 older sisters all competing in the international Bible Quiz finals in Israel, held on Yom Ha’atzmaut in Jerusalem and broadcast on tv as part of the day’s celebration by Israeli Channel 1.

Shira Bloch won the international Bible Quiz in 1998; Merav was a runner up in 1999, as was Michal in 2005.

Rikki Broner and Sara Kaltmann, both from Beth Rivkah Ladies’ College were also state finalists yesterday. Siblings Sara and Doovie competing in a state final was another exciting first for the quiz.

Writer of the Victorian final, Haya Mond said “I have been involved in the Bible Quiz for close to 20 years in organizing, judging and preparing questions.  I believe the study of the Bible, which is the basis of our Jewish way of life, gives participants not only knowledge and understanding but also a closer connection to Israel and the Jewish world.”

The Victorian final was moderated by Rabbi James Kennard and judged by Michelle Feiglin, Tallilah May and Shavi Slodowitz.

Noa and Doovie will now go on to compete in the federal finals in Sydney in early November.

As Haya Mond commented “Those who win the Bible Quiz and go to Israel to participate in the International Bible camp and Quiz, have the unique opportunity of meeting other young people from Israel and from around the world and of experiencing first hand the special connection and unity of the Jewish people.”

“I would strongly urge as many students as possible to participate in future Bible Quiz competitions.”

For more information contact:
SZCV Executive Director, Ginette Searle 9272 5544
SZCV Director of Public Affairs, Elly Shalev 9272 5519
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The State Zionist Council of Victoria leads and encourages Jewish and Zionist activity and expression within Victoria, to represent the Jewish community, to promote and communicate Israel’s interests within the broader Victorian community and to promote Victoria’s relationship with Israel.
For more information, please visit the State Zionist Council of Victoria website www.szcvic.org