With encouragement from his teacher, Raheli Greenberg, he mustered the courage to introduce the game to his classmates, sparking an unexpected journey of success.
Tani learned chess as a way to channel his energy but quickly fell in love with the game. His talent shone at the national summer championship for children under six, where he secured an impressive fourth place.
Representing the “Yeru-Chess” club, he competed in national tournaments for eight- and ten-year-olds, a remarkable feat given the age gap. “I love thinking about moves, winning and learning new things about the game,” Tani said. He recalled how one classmate already knew the rules and while others initially mimicked their moves, they soon learned to play independently.
Tani’s enthusiasm was contagious. “At first, everyone wanted to play against me,” he shared proudly. “Then they started playing each other, and I helped anyone who needed it. By the end of the year, some kids got really good—one even managed a draw against me!”
After each tournament win, Tani brings his medals to kindergarten, letting another child wear them. “It was so much fun teaching my friends chess, and I’m excited to start first grade and play with new friends,” he adds.
Tani’s story has inspired a groundbreaking citywide program called “Yeru-Chess,” led by Alon Cohen, the founder and CEO of the Yeru-Chess club. The initiative will bring chess to dozens of Jerusalem kindergartens, teaching young children the “game of kings” through a tailored approach.
The program combines movement, storytelling, games and problem-solving with small and large chessboards, group challenges and humor to engage children aged 3 to 5.
The program also includes comprehensive training for kindergarten teachers, equipping them with personalized coaching, guided observation and workshops to become chess players and facilitators. Teachers will integrate specialized chess kits, large floor chessboards and interactive play areas into their classrooms.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion emphasized the program’s value: “Chess is not just a game but a powerful educational tool that can develop advanced thinking skills at a young age. This initiative will equip Jerusalem’s children with sharp cognitive and problem-solving abilities.”