Jewish Agency Announces First American Nationwide Bible Contest

The first nationwide American Bible Contest will take place in May 1960, it was announced here today by Dr. Samuel M. Blumenfield, head of the department of education and culture of the Jewish Agency, which sponsors the project in cooperation with the Israel Bible Society of Jerusalem. All schools and youth organizations who wish to enter contestants are invited to submit their applications to the Jewish Agency, not later than November 15.

The first American Bible contest, which follows upon the widely-hailed success of a number of Bible quizzes being held in Israel, aims to promote greater interest in the reading and study of the Bible among young people throughout the United States and seeks to strengthen the role of Bible studies in the school curriculum. Dr. Azriel Eisenberg, executive vice president of the Jewish Education Committee and former president of the National Council for Jewish Education, has accepted the chairmanship of the project. Leading rabbis, educators, and Bible experts in the United States and Israel have agreed to serve as sponsors and consultants.

All students of Jewish schools–Yeshivot, day-schools, Talmud Torahs, congregational schools, one-day schools, or members of Jewish youth organizations are eligible to participate in the contest. There will be a junior group for young people between 12 and 14 years of age and a senior group for those between 14 and 17. For students who have a command of the Hebrew language and have studied the Bible in the original, the contest will be conducted in Hebrew.

A separate contest in English will be offered for those who have little or no command of the Hebrew language but have studied the Bible in English. The contest will test broad general knowledge of the Bible as well as detailed knowledge of specific sections. A free trip to Israel and other valuable prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest.