‘Power of Jewish Children’ Winners Announced

Tzivos Hashem: Jewish Children’s International has announced the four winning entries in the annual ‘Power of Jewish Children’ contest, which recognizes children under the age of 14 who have devoted themselves to a worthy cause and who have made a difference in their communities.

The winners will appear at the Tzivos Hashem dinner at the Grand Prospect Hall in New York. They are among the many worthy contestants who were nominated by the public via JewishKids.org.

For the first time, the event will be broadcast live on JewishKids.org on Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m., including the awards ceremony and entertainment for the whole family.

The winners will each receive a $500 cash prize, $500 to be donated to a charity of their choice and sets of Jewish books. A video presentation will feature the winners describing their projects, to be followed by a question-and-answer presentation.

Here are profiles of the winners, provided by Tzivos Hashem and JewishKids.org:

Eitan Bernath

Proudly wearing a kipah and openly explaining his restrictions due to kashrut—Jewish dietary restrictions—Eitan appeared on the first-ever middle-school-age kid’s episode of the Food Network’s popular cooking show “Chopped.” From the initial casting calls up to the show’s taping, Eitan amplified Kiddush Hashem(sanctification of G-d’s name). His incredible grace under pressure resonated with the larger Jewish community as emails nationwide poured into his personal website, praising his obvious Jewish pride and commitment. He is proud to represent the new generation of kosher chefs and happy to have inspired so many other young Jewish children to follow their dreams.

Eitan Bernath
Eitan Bernath

Caley Coughlan

Caley is a Friendship Circle volunteer who participated in bowling activities on Sundays. Her bowling buddy was a boy named Jeremy. Though Jeremy’s physical abilities were limited, his ability to inspire others was as strong as ever. Jeremy’s smile shone for miles, and his enthusiasm was contagious. He loved being surrounded by music, action and noise. After Jeremy’s untimely passing, Caley resolved to keep his memory alive by starting “Jeremy’s Jump.” Her goal was to enable children with special needs to share their smiles and enthusiasm with others. The “Jump” program consists of a 10-hour relay jump-a-thon to raise awareness and funds, as well as to promote the acceptance of children and teens with special needs.

Caley Coughlan
Caley Coughlan

Mendel Minkowicz

Mendel Minkowicz, whose 37-year-old mother Rashi passed away tragically and suddenly in March, initiated a campaign to raise funds for a new ChabadCenter in Alpharetta, Ga., to be named “Rashi’s Campus” in his mother’s memory. To date, the campaign has raised more than $3 million, which included a substantial amount raised through a campaign that Mendel initiated called “1818forRashi.”

Mendel Minkowicz
Mendel Minkowicz

Chloe Dahan and Jamie Zimmerman

Chloe and Jamie first attended a Friendship Circle San Diego special-needs awareness workshop when they were just 10 and 11 years old. After attending many Friendship Circle events together, the girls were inspired to make a difference themselves and create a new, ongoing performing-arts program called “Shooting Stars.” Focusing on teen and adult women with special needs, Chloe and Jamie organized the program; designed the fliers; designed and ordered T-shirts; planned the curriculum; and recruited friends, volunteers and local performing-arts experts to participate. They are shining examples of the power of volunteerism, and they have had a tremendous impact on Jewish children in the San Diego community.

Chloe Dahan and Jamie Zimmerman
Chloe Dahan and Jamie Zimmerman

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One Comment

  • amazing program

    We are so impressed by this first class program that gives every single Jewish child the chance to make a positive statement. Our world is so chaotic and unstable and Tzivos Hashem is following the Rebbe’s directives of involving our precious kinderlach in mitzvos. Kol Hakovod for Tzivos Hashem and their leadership!!!!