“And many nations shall go and say: ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths’; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Micah 4:2)

Samaria region resident Menachem Shashi, of Elon Moreh, took first place in this year’s Bible Contest for adults.  Hananel Malka of Or Akiva took second place, while Yoram Gold of Be’er Sheva took third.  The contest was hosted by the Education Ministry and attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Education Shai Piron and Director General of the Education Ministry Michal Cohen.

Speaking at the International Bible Quiz for adults Tuesday evening, Netanyahu said, “Even though the Tanakh [Hebrew bible] was written a long time ago, we – with our own hands – are writing the next chapters in the fascinating history of our people. This year’s quiz centers on ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ and ‘The other is me.’ This not only includes accepting the convert and those who are different – children who are struggling with physical or mental disabilities are part of us. Each one of them, young and old, has a soul given to him by the Almighty and we, our people, understand and feel to the depths of our heart this human partnership, this partnership and unity before God. We must break down walls, lower barriers and attain – first and foremost – unity within our people.”

One thousand contestants participated in the initial round of the contest, with twelve finalists competing in the final stages.  These consisted of four rounds of questions.  The first was entitled “the other is me,” the second stage involved questions together with a computer game, the third was identified as “the Prime Minister’s question,” while the final round was a head-to-head competition between the top two contestants.  Monetary prizes were valued at NIS 30,000 ($8,522 US) for first place, NIS 20,000 ($5,681 US) for second place and NIS 10,000 ($2,842 US) for third.

Although the International Bible Contest has long been an annual event for high school students, who can win a scholarship to Bar Ilan University, the adult contest was only resurrected in 2010.  Prior to that, 5 adult quizzes were held between the years 1958 and 1981.

Education Minister Piron said the Bible needs to be “the road map of every leader and family, to be a part of the conscience of every manager. The Bible cannot become a dry study material.”