The Morris Black Speaking Contest, established in 1971, is a long-standing annual public speaking competition for students passionate about Jewish identity, history, and values. Named after Morris Black, a respected community leader, this contest invites young speakers to develop their public speaking skills, share unique insights, and engage audiences. By promoting critical thinking and confidence in public speaking, the Morris Black Speaking Contest has empowered young voices for over 50 years. This legacy event offers an inspiring platform for students to express, inspire, and connect with the community.
Open to all Jewish students in grades 3-8 in Jewish and public schools in Hamilton and surrounding areas.
Register at the link below:
Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 2-4PM
Location details upon registration
For more information contact Maggie at mnorris@jewishhamilton.org.
Contest Registration Accepted until March 31, 2025
To register, simply click the button below to complete the form.
Rules and Prizes
Open to all Jewish students in Grades 3-8 in Hamilton and surrounding areas.
Students who wish to present their speeches and receive feedback will be entered in a raffle to win an awesome prize.
The non-competitive track will allow students to present their speeches in front of a panel of coaches and will receive feedback on their presentation. Participants will not be ranked, but will be entered into a draw to win a prize.
Open to all Jewish students in Grades 3-8 in Hamilton and surrounding areas.
Marks will be awarded based on the following: organization, content, evidence of research, understanding of topic (as you may be asked a question), originality and delivery; which includes suitable volume, pitch and tone, pronunciation and fluency.
How to Enter
- Register
- Pick any Jewish topic
- Write your 2-4 minute long speech. You can register in the Speech Writing Workshop here.
- Attend the Speech contest on April 6 to present your speech before a panel of judges.
- Stay for refreshments and awards ceremony immediately following speeches.
If you need inspiration, check out these options.
1) How I feel closer to Israel since October 7th and how it has affected me.
2) How Jewish summer camp has transformed my life.
3) Jewish artifacts in my home: what are the symbolisms, meanings and memories?
4) Music and Jewish prayer-how are they united?
5) What was it like for my family living a Jewish life in a different culture/country?
6) Hebrew calendar: what is your favourite month and why?
7) Cooking through the Jewish calendar-stories and cultural exploration across Jewish communities and the globe.
8) Best Israeli innovations of the past 10 years.
9) Why is Holocaust education important today?
10) Any Jewish topic of your choosing in the spirit of the contest.
Each grade will have:
First Place Prize | $125
Second Place Prize | $100
Third Place Prize | $75
Date: March 2, 2025
We are offering a free speech writing workshop for Grades 3 to 8 with Romy Friedman, Federation Board Member and High School science teacher. Learn the fundamentals of speech writing and practice for the Morris Black contest.
- How to pick a topic and research skills
- Writing a speech
- Public speaking skills
Click below to register!
What should my child wear?
Your child should be dressed comfortably but in a manner that is dressy enough to present a speech in public. Dress for success!
How should participants begin their speeches?
Competitive track: All speeches should begin with the phrase, “Honourable judges, viewers, and fellow participants…”
Non-competitive track: “Honourable coaches, viewers, and fellow participants…”
What is the deadline?
Deadline for registration is on March 31, 2025
Do all grades compete?
Students in Grades 3-8 can choose whether to enter into the competitive track or non-competitive track. All students will receive a prize and certificate for participation.
Who are the judges?
Judges include educators or those in the education field, professionals who have experience working with children, and esteemed members of the Jewish community. All judges are devoting their time on a volunteer basis. Any concerns regarding judging should be addressed to Dave Loewith
How does one become a judge?
If you are interested in becoming a judge, please contact Maggie at mnorris@jewishhamilton.org
How are winners chosen?
Competitive track: Marks will be awarded based on the following: organization, content, evidence of research, understanding of topic (as you may be asked a question), originality and delivery; which includes suitable volume, pitch and tone, pronunciation and fluency. First place in each grade category will be awarded $100, second place $75, and third place $50.
Non-competitive track: students participating in this category will be given feedback on their presentation from a panel of coaches, and will be entered into a draw to win a prize.
All concerns should be addressed to Dave Loewith: daveloewith@gmail.com.
How long should the speech be?
The speech should be 2-4 minutes long.
Will there be security at the event?
Yes.
More information is available from:
Rick Black at 905-928-5080 or Maggie Norris at mnorris@jewishhamilton.org or 905-648-0605 x307.
To register for the Morris Black Speaking Contest, click the button below.