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 26, 2026 | 2-4PM
Location details upon registration
For more information contact Maggie at mnorris@jewishhamilton.org.
Submissions Accepted until April 22, 2026
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.
If you need inspiration, check out these options.
1) The threat of Antisemitism today.
2) Was Moses our greatest teacher?
3) Thriving small Jewish communities in Ontario.
4) What was it like for my family living a Jewish life in a different country/culture?
5) Ritual work: All about Jewish jobs in the bible and modern times.
6) Is it important to have a Jewish name? If so, why, and if not, why not?
7) A meaningful mitzvah. Describe a mitzvah or Jewish value that means a lot to you.
8) What makes a Jewish hero and who is mine?
9) Putting G-d on the guest list. Making Jewish home celebrations holy beyond dinner.
10) Choose any Jewish topic in the spirit of the contest.
Register
Pick any Jewish topic
Write your 2-4 minute long speech.
Attend the Speech contest on April 26 to present your speech before a panel of judges.
Stay for refreshments and awards ceremony immediately following speeches.
Are you a Jewish teen in high school looking to stay involved in the Morris Black speaking contest?
You can now sign up to be a Junior Judge if you are in Grade 9 or 10. You can even earn your high school volunteer hours! E-mail Maggie for more information: mnorris@jewishhamilton.org
Each grade will have:
First Place Prize | $125
Second Place Prize | $100
Third Place Prize | $75
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…”
DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME OR SCHOOL IN YOUR SPEECH
What is the deadline?
Deadline for registration is on April 22, 2026
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 $125, second place $100, and third place $75.
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.
How can teens earn volunteer hours?
By being a Junior Judge on the day of the contest, your teen can have an opportunity to give younger participants constructive feedback on their public speaking while working with other judges during the contest. Their contributions at the contest will earn them volunteer hours.