Australia to be represented at World Bible Quiz
Yavneh student Gabriel Kelmann will represent Australia at the International Chidon HaTanach in Israel.
Year 10 Leibler Yavneh College student Gabriel Kelmann has earned the honour of representing Australia at the International Chidon HaTanach (World Bible Quiz) in Israel.
Kelmann’s journey began when he was offered the opportunity by Yavneh to undertake independent Tanach studies under the guidance of Rabbi Cowen and Rabbi Levin, alongside Edward Lichtig and Chanoch Serebryanski. Instead of attending his regular Tanach classes, Kelmann spent hours in the school library immersed in the study of the Jewish Bible.
“The study covered everything from Bereishit to the building of the Second Temple,” Kelmann said. “Completing each story felt like reaching a milestone. Learning about the challenges the Jewish people faced and how they dealt with them has shown me how to deal with antisemitism today, how to act proudly as a Jew, and helped me appreciate the fascinating stories that make up our history.”
His dedication paid off when he excelled in the Australian Bible Quiz, securing a place as a finalist and earning the opportunity to represent Australia at the international competition.
Traditionally held during Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations, this year’s Chidon HaTanach was postponed due to the security situation in Israel and will now take place on June 29. Kelmann will join 55 other finalists from around the world to compete in one of the most respected Jewish educational events.
The achievement is particularly significant for Kelmann, the second of six children, who had never travelled overseas when he began his studies. Without even setting his sights on Israel when he started, his commitment to the program ultimately opened the door to his first overseas trip.
In addition to the competition, Kelmann has been invited to meet Professor Drorit Neumann, Dean of Student Services at Tel Aviv University, to learn about future academic opportunities and tour the Buchmann Faculty of Law.
Kelmann is set to depart for Israel next month to compete in the international competition.