Orthodox Team Members Celebrate Pesach and Shabbat in Houston at FIRST Robotics Championship
Integrating Tradition with Technology
In Israel, robotics has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of national culture, paving the way for future innovators. Over the past ten years, the country has welcomed 60 distinguished robotics teams, each comprising around 40 passionate teenagers. This vibrant youth culture has produced some of the most skilled young engineers and problem solvers in the world.
A Global Stage for Innovation
During the Passover week of 2025, Israel’s top robotics teams participated in the highly esteemed FIRST Robotics Championship and FIRST Tech Challenge International, both held in Houston, Texas. Over 400 Israeli teens from approximately a dozen teams gathered at the George R. Brown Convention Center between April 14 and 18, contributing to a global competition featuring more than 19,000 students from 66 countries.
Pathway to Houston: From National Triumph to Global Challenge
To qualify for this prestigious event, the Israeli teens, ranging from grades 10 to 12, had to first prove their skills in a series of competitive events against their peers from Israel’s finest institutions. The annual challenge is broadcast live globally, giving teams six and a half weeks to design and build robots capable of tackling complex tasks. These robots then compete at regional, national, and international levels, showcasing outstanding ingenuity.
Unprecedented Scale of Competition
In the 2025 season, over 3,700 teams participated in regional and district events. From that pool, 601 teams earned the right to compete in the FIRST Championship, where they participated in rotating alliances and aimed to accumulate ranking points to advance to the thrilling final playoffs.
This Year’s Challenge: REEFSCAPE**
The competition theme for this year was aptly named REEFSCAPE. Teams faced the dual challenge of designing robots capable of scoring coral, harvesting algae, and transferring it to a barge—all within a timed competition. Teams like Trigon even crafted scaled replicas of a reef to enhance their robots’ programming, demonstrating both creativity and strategic planning.
Noteworthy Performers: Team Mishmash
Among the array of participating teams, Mishmash, representing the Jusidman Science Center at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, stood out with impressive accomplishments, securing fifth place in their division. Their achievements go beyond mere rankings; they reflect the core values of teamwork, innovation, and educational excellence.
The Power of Education: Acknowledgment from Leaders
“What inspired me most was not just their engineering,” remarked Danny Chamovitz, president of BGU. “It was their energy, diversity, and deep sense of purpose. These students embody what education at its best looks like.”
Sharing Insights: A Visit to Houston Institutions
While in Houston, Team Mishmash made it a point to connect with local communities, visiting the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC and the Emery/Wiener School on April 21. Team manager Maya Kary enthused about the experience, saying, “We were inspired by the enthusiasm of the students and the innovative spirit within the robotics classes. It was a joy to exchange ideas and share our journey with them.”
Orthodox Representation: A Delicate Balance of Faith and Competition
Two of the teams from Modiin, namely Excalibur and Trigon, included Orthodox Jewish members. The unique timing of the competition—over Pesach—presented challenges that required careful planning. The hotel arranged for a special kitchen where the Orthodox students could prepare kosher meals and designated a space for daily prayers. Remarkably, a local member of the Houston community provided a Torah scroll to accommodate their religious practices.
Navigating Tradition during Pesach
The complexities of traveling during Pesach nearly prevented the students from attending the event. Nechama Veeder, a mother of a 10th grader in the group, noted, “We hadn’t planned to send them this year because organizing a trip for Orthodox kids during Pesach can be complicated.” However, victorious results from the Israeli national competition sparked the urgency to attend, creating an electric atmosphere of excitement and motivation.
Faith Above All: Staying True to Shabbat
The tournament spanned four days, concluding on Shabbat. Despite the formidable challenges of potentially securing a championship title, these teams made a conscious decision to honor their commitments to Judaism. Remaining steadfast in their faith was non-negotiable for them.
A Sense of Accomplishment Amid Challenges
Trigon team member Yishai Levy, 18, expressed elation at reaching the finals. “This year, we saw that we had an amazing robot, one of the best in the world,” Levy stated passionately. “Our mission was to make our impact and to represent Israel and the Jewish community as a whole.”
Mentorship and Community Spirit
Kenny Green, a mentor for Trigon and a father of a ninth grader on the team, shared his awe at their accomplishments. “Even after stepping away from the competition for Shabbat, our ranking of 27th out of 3,700 teams showcases true dedication. Competing against teams backed by giants like NASA is no small feat.”
The Essence of Co-opetition
One unique aspect of the FIRST organization is the principle of “co-opetition.” Instead of fostering rivalry, teams are encouraged to support one another by lending tools or essential components during competitions, a practice that fosters camaraderie and mutual respect.
Knowledge Sharing as a Lifelong Journey
Upon returning to Israel, team members are quick to share their experiences and insights with younger students, who aspire to fill their shoes as senior members of the team in just a couple of years. Many students transition into high-tech roles in the Israeli army, with former team members like Green returning to mentor future generations.
Proud Parents with Hearts Full of Emotion
Witnessing the events unfold from afar, Ahuva Ravid-Saffir, mother of Shai Ravid, another member of Trigon, found herself overcome with emotion. Reflecting on her family’s journey, Ravid-Saffir shared, “My parents made aliyah from America, and as my grandparents conveyed stories about the challenges of keeping Shabbat nearly a century ago, I watch my son embrace his religion openly—something that fills us with immense pride.”
Choosing Faith over Glory
As Ravid-Saffir watched her son’s team forgo championship opportunities in favor of observing Shabbat, she couldn’t hold back her tears. “We know how hard they work and how much effort went into this season. When they left Israel, they made a conscious decision to honor Shabbat. It wasn’t easy, but they did, and it made us all proud—parents, school, and the entire community back in Modiin.”
Conclusion: A Testament to Values and Ambition
The experiences of the Orthodox teams at the FIRST Robotics Championship illustrate a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Balancing their religious commitments with the demands of high-stakes competition, these young engineers not only showcased their technical prowess but also reinforced the importance of cultural heritage and faith. Their achievements will inspire many in the years to come, serving as a reminder that one can indeed honor personal beliefs while pursuing excellence in any field.
