‘Heroes are our parents,’ say Levitan chess prodigies

When Caleb and Judah Levitan accepted the Ichikowitz Family Foundation Rising Star Award at the Investec Jewish Achiever Awards on 2 November, their words captured exactly why they have become two of South Africa’s most admired young talents. It’s not just about their success on the chessboard, but their humility, gratitude, and sense of purpose. 

“It’s such an honour to be standing up here with my brother tonight,” Caleb said. “Thank you for nominating us; thank you for voting for us; and thank you, judges, for believing in us. I think this is our third year of being nominated, so thank you for being the reason that we always have a suit in the cupboard that fits us.” 

Judah followed by reflecting on what it means to be recognised among so many talented young South Africans. “Everyone nominated in this category is so deserving,” he said. “It’s incredible to belong to a community of such talented and inspiring people, and to have so many young people who showcase the strength and talents of South Africa. We are lucky to grow up in such a close community, and one with such great examples of leadership and a spirit of giving.” 

For the brothers, chess is far more than a competitive sport. “It’s surreal being recognised for doing something that we really just love to do,” Caleb said. “We’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to play the game we love for our school, for our city, for our province, and for our country.” 

The twins recently received their Springbok blazers from rugby legend Victor Matfield, a moment they described as unforgettable. “He couldn’t have described it better,” Caleb said. “He worked harder than anyone. But when you work at what you love, it doesn’t feel like work.” 

Judah spoke about what makes their sport so unique. “Chess is a sport that is open to anyone of any age or background,” he said. “Our South African chess community is full of amazing personalities. It’s diverse, smart, and filled with the kind of warmth you expect. Travelling with a team to represent South Africa and wearing the green and gold is a true honour, and some of the best times we have had.” 

Their travels have also deepened their Jewish identity. “As Jews, we try to uphold our traditions even when travelling,” Caleb said. “We recently spent Yom Kippur at Chabad of Tirana; shook lulav and etrog in Albania; fasted in Baku in Azerbaijan; and spent Shabbat with local communities in Budapest and Warsaw. We have yet to play in a country where there hasn’t been a Chabad, and the international Jewish community has always given us a sense of home.” 

The brothers’ success is the result of years of discipline, teamwork, and determination. “Competing at this level requires hours of work, long games, up to six hours preparation, coaching, losses and comebacks, and the grit needed to keep on going,” Judah said. “We’ve easily put in more than 10 000 hours since we were six years old. I don’t think it would be possible without my brother by my side. While we started off competing against each other, we’re now partners, and this has been a huge factor in continuing our journey.” 

Their admiration for each other was clear. “I’m Judah’s biggest fan,” Caleb said. “I was so proud when he became the youngest South African to receive the FIDE Master title earlier this year. He’s the current South African Junior Blitz Chess Champion, and is rated among the top five players of any age in the country.” Said Judah, “Caleb is the top-rated active player of any age in South Africa, and earlier this year, he became an International Master. We’re not done yet, and hope to be South Africa’s first Grandmasters one day.” 

They also paid tribute to those who made it possible. “The hidden heroes in our story are our parents, who have given us so many opportunities and literally travelled to the ends of the earth for us,” Caleb said. Judah thanked their sisters, school, and friends for supporting them, and their coaches “who continue to help us learn and grow”. 

Their speech concluded with the values they live by. “Give it everything you’ve got,” Judah said. “Have the grace to lose with dignity, and the strength to fight back. Keep your family close on your journey, and embrace the support of your communities. Love what you do, and give back whenever you can.”