Sara Kaltmann winner of 2009 Victorian Bible Quiz

Beth Rivkah Ladies’ College’s Sara Kaltmann, 13, yesterday won the Victorian state finals of the 2009 Youth Bible Quiz in front of a crowd of more than 70 people at Beth Weizmann Community Centre.

The Zionist Council of Victoria presents the state finals of the quiz annually, where dedicated and talented students pitch their detailed knowledge of tanach in a competition which requires instant recall, comprehensive knowledge and nerves of steel. A full written test conducted earlier in the day is followed by the public “oral” quiz, where students provide their answers in a “game show” format, in front of the audience.

The winner and runner up of the state quiz will go on to compete in the National finals later in the year. The winner and runner up of the national competition then compete in Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut in the worldwide chidon hatanach – against contestants from Israel and other diaspora communities. The competition is televised live on Israel TV on the day of Yom Ha’atzmaut. In addition to the thrill of the national competition, the Israel experience includes a touring and learning program, together with the other contestants.

Sara follows in the footsteps of her siblings, Nomi – who won the Victorian and National competitions in 2007, and Doovie, who was runner up in 2008.

Competition moderator, Rabbi James Kennard remarked: “As in previous years, the knowledge displayed by all contestants was exceptional and an inspiration to all who were watching. These three young people showed us all, by their love for, and knowledge of, the Bible, what it really means to be members of “the People of the Book”.

The competition was judged by Dr Shira Wenig and Tallilah May.

Sara and runner up, Aliza Teller, will now go on to compete in the federal finals in Sydney in early November.

As Danny Lamm, ZCV president 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.”

”The links between our religious sources and Israel are vital, dynamic and strengthening to our community, and the ZCV is proud to host this unique event highlighting these.” 

For more information contact:
ZCV Executive Director, Ginette Searle 9272 5544
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The 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 Zionist Council of Victoria website www.zionismvictoria.org.au