Dear Seniors,

Each year, the Chicago Rabbinical Council proudly sponsors the Rebbetzin Shoshana Schwartz Torah Essay Contest. The contest is open to all seniors studying in Orthodox Jewish high schools in the Chicago metropolitan area who will attend a yeshiva or seminary in Israel for the 5784/2023-2024 academic year. Our objective is to promote serious thought and research in an area of Jewish life.

This year we introduce a somewhat different format and theme. With the rise of anti-semitisim throughout the world, we believe that it will be opportune for us to concentrate on the antidote for anti-semitism which is Ahavat Yisroel.

STEP 1: Please research how this Mitzva of אהבת ישראל helps to sustain our people. Suggested source material should come from:

• TaNaCH (Text, Commentators and Midrashim)
• Halachic texts (Talmud, Shulchan Aruch, Mishnah Torah, etc.)
• Mussar works
• Biographical material
• The various agencies and organizations within the State of Israel (whether governmental or non-governmental)

Suggestion: Entrants would be best served by selecting material from more than one source category.

STEP 2:Please present a proposal for the creation of a practical program to inspire Jews to incorporate אהבת ישראל into the daily life of our community both on a personal and societal level.

RULES FOR SUBMISSION:

• One entry per person.
• Essays may be written in English or Hebrew. Primary sources in their original language and formulation are preferred over secondary sources and translations.
• Deadline for submission: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 (Yom HaShoah)

Your Essay must have a cover page with the following information:

• Your name, home address, email address, home phone number, your school, and the title of your essay. Your name should appear only on the cover page. Please do not put your name on any page of the essay or on your bibliography.
• Your title should appear on each page of your essay.

Essays should be emailed to [email protected]. A hard copy must also be mailed or brought to:
Chicago Rabbinical Council, 2701 W. Howard Street, Chicago, Illinois 60645.
The cRc will email you when your essay is received.

EVALUATION

A panel of judges will evaluate each essay, without knowing who the author is, on the following criteria:

• Research:       Thorough and accurate citation of primary sources.
• Organization: Presentation of material in a clear and convincing manner.
• Creativity:       Shedding new light and insight through careful analysis of sources.
• Style:               Employment of good writing skills, including grammar, syntax, and usage.

SELECTION OF WINNING ENTRIES

• Two First Place Essays will receive $1,000 each
• Three Honorable Mention Essays will receive $300 each

Please direct all questions to Rabbi Michael A Myers at: [email protected]