At Graduation, 25,000 Students Confident in Jewish Identity

As schools held end-of-year graduation ceremonies this spring, the celebrations marked the culmination of a year-long curriculum designed not just to teach, but to shape how children see themselves as Jews.

When 11-year-old Jacob from Arizona went to a recent barbecue, he brought along kosher hot dogs for everyone attending. “Wherever I go, I am proud to be Jewish,” he said.

That sense of confidence was at the center of this year’s CKids International “Israel Quest” curriculum, completed by more than 25,000 children in over 500 English-speaking Chabad Hebrew Schools across North America.

As schools held end-of-year graduation ceremonies this spring, the celebrations marked the culmination of a year-long curriculum designed not just to teach, but to shape how children see themselves as Jews.

“The goal is not only education, but identity formation that lasts beyond the classroom,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “When a child grows up connected to Torah and proud of who they are, that becomes their foundation in every environment they walk into.”

Israel Quest, developed by the team at CKids International, is a hands-on journey through Tanach that brings to life the story of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. The curriculum traces the Jewish people’s connection to Eretz Yisroel from the time they entered the land, led by prophets and kings, through the era of the Beis Hamikdash and beyond.

Through stories of figures like Daniel, Rus, Dovid Hamelech, Chana, and Yochanan Ben Zakkai, students learned that Jewish strength did not begin with them. They discovered how generations before them faced pressure, exile, and uncertainty while remaining deeply connected to Torah and Jewish life. The curriculum helped children understand that they are part of a much larger Jewish story, one carried forward across generations.

“It’s not always easy being the Jewish kid in class,” said Mrs. Mushky Loewenthal, Director of CKids International. “We want them to be confident and proud, and that starts with knowing who they are and the strength they come from.”

In classrooms from California to Montreal, students acted out scenes from Tanach, discussed the Jewish connection to Eretz Yisroel, and explored what it means to live openly and proudly as Jews in today’s world. Tools like virtual reality experiences of the Beis Hamikdash, hands-on archaeology activities, and interactive projects brought the material to life in ways that went far beyond traditional classroom learning.

The results showed up at home. Sara from Florida shared that after learning about Jewish women throughout history who brought light into their homes, she began lighting Shabbos candles together with her mother each week.

In a video produced for the graduation ceremonies, one boy reflected on learning about Yochanan Ben Zakkai: “I might be the only Jew in my class, my grade, and my entire school, but every week at Hebrew School I am one of thousands of kids learning Torah. 3,000 years, and we’re still here.”

At end-of-year graduation ceremonies across the country, directors spoke about the impact of the year-long curriculum and the importance of giving children strong foundations. Schools also used a comprehensive graduation package provided by CKids International, including ceremony resources, promotional materials, an Israel Quest “Art Walk” display, and the video, featuring children speaking directly to the biblical figures they studied throughout the year.

“This is how we raise proud and grounded Jewish children,” said Sara Bluming, co-director at Chabad of Potomac. “The goal is not to shield them from the world, but to give them the strength to stand in it with pride and clarity.”

Across North America, thousands of children closed out the school year carrying a message their teachers hope will stay with them long after. Jewish pride is not a reaction to antisemitism. It is what has carried the Jewish people for over 3,000 years, and what continues to carry them forward today.

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