Five outstanding TABC students have secured their place in the Dr. Shimshon Isseroff USA Chidon HaTanach National Finals, a highly competitive and prestigious event that challenges students on their mastery of Tanach. Maayan Flaumenhaft ‘28, Gavi Gantz ‘27, Yonatan Halstuch ‘25, Eli Hochberg ‘27 and Lior Mhazri ‘28 have demonstrated exceptional dedication and scholarship, earning a coveted spot among the country’s top contestants. Their hard work and commitment are truly commendable.

This year’s competition featured sections from Devarim, Ruth, Shmuel, Divrei HaYamim and Yirmiyahu, requiring students to engage deeply with a variety of historical periods and texts. Their success comes during a record-breaking year for TABC’s Chidon HaTanach club, which is supervised by Rabbi Shaya First, with well over a dozen students seriously participating in each round of the competition. The club’s growing popularity follows the achievements of TABC tenth grader Micky Cyrulnik, who represented the United States in the International Chidon HaTanach in Israel this past Yom HaAtzmaut, and served as both a source of motivation and unofficial coach for this year’s participants.

The next round of the Dr. Shimshon Isseroff USA Chidon HaTanach National Finals will take place on May 4, where Lior, Maayan, Yonatan, Eli and Gavi will compete against the top qualifiers from across the country. Winners of this stage will earn the opportunity to advance to the International Chidon HaTanach in Israel. The entire TABC community celebrates this remarkable achievement and wishes them the best of luck as they prepare for this prestigious event!