Baltimore, MD - May 18, 2026 - There was tremendous nachas at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School this past Sunday, May 17, as high school student Moshe L. ’28 won 1st place in the high school division at the Chidon Tanach National Finals in New York, earning him the right to, IY"H, compete in the international tournament next year on Yom Ha'atzmaut in Israel. Additionally, 7th grader Tamar L. ’31 placed 6th in the middle school division, an incredible accomplishment.
Twelve BT students traveled to New York to compete in the National Finals of the Chidon HaTanach - the Dr. Shimshon Isseroff US National Bible Contest for Jewish Youth. It was an incredibly exciting day for our students, their families, and the entire BT chevroh.
Chidon HaTanach is a prestigious international competition that challenges students on their mastery of Tanach, focusing on breadth of knowledge. Participation is voluntary, with students dedicating many extra hours outside the regular school day to learning, chazarah, and preparation. Reaching the finalist stage reflects real commitment, discipline, and ahavas Torah.
One of the things that makes Beth Tfiloh so special is the thoughtful way Jewish learning is approached across the school. As Baltimore’s only co-educational K-12 college preparatory school, BT works hard to meet students where they are at, helping them deepen their connection to Torah and Judaism in ways that feel meaningful and personal. Students have opportunities to study Ivrit, Tanach, and a broad range of Jewish studies, while also being encouraged to challenge themselves and grow through advanced learning opportunities like the Chidon program.
Under the guidance of Chidon teacher Rabbi Leib Zalesch, students spent months preparing for the competition, learning Sefer Bereishit, Sefer Shmuel Bet, selections from Tehillim, and in the high school division, portions of Sefer Yechezkel.
The high school competition concluded with an intense playoff round, where all three finalists tied for first place - an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of just how competitive the field was. Moshe’s performance earned him the opportunity to represent the United States on the international stage in Eretz Yisrael next year.
For the fifteenth consecutive year, Beth Tfiloh was represented at the national finals, something that speaks to the strong culture of serious Torah learning that continues to thrive at the school. In previous years, BT students Caleb Gitlitz ’21, Ryan Joseph ’21, and Yisrael Kaplowitz ’25 had the zechus to represent the United States at the international Chidon in Eretz Yisrael.
Yasher koach to Tamar, Moshe, Rabbi Zalesch, and all of the students who participated in this year’s Chidon. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to limud Torah continue to bring tremendous pride and nachas to the entire Beth Tfiloh community.
