In honor of its 30th year of operation, the Chabad-Lubavitch children’s organization Tzivos Hashem announced the launch of the first-ever “Power of Jewish Children” contest, an online-based competition designed to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of children everywhere.

“Every single child is important and this contest will showcase and unite children from all different backgrounds and communities,” Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjaminson, executive director of Tzivos Hashem, said from his office at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn, N.Y. “Children have great capabilities, and this contest will give every child the opportunity to shine.”

With chapters around the world, a membership stretching back decades and a popular magazine, Tzivos Hashem aims to inspire children to perform acts of goodness and kindness as representatives of the Jewish people. The contest, said Benjaminson, will draw attention to such acts by awarding $30,000 to finalists in three categories.

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“I hope that through this contest, Jewish children all over the world can promote and utilize their talents in a positive manner,” he explained.

According to the rules, children or their sponsors can submit entries dealing with outstanding acts of kindness to others, or what the contest refers to as its Heart category; exceptional displays of talent in music, writing, art, comedy or singing, or the contest’s Hand category; and achievements in independent study and research, the contest’s Head category. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 15.

Judges will select 10 finalists in each category, and the public can vote on the submissions on the contest’s website, www.powerofjewishchildren.com, between Nov. 16 and Dec. 16.

“The three categories give every child an opportunity to succeed in his or her own way,” said Benjaminson. “Each child can find an area where he can shine.”

After the online voting, the top three finalists in each category will be awarded an expenses-paid trip to New York City to attend the Tzivos Hashem anniversary dinner and concert on Jan. 16. Each of the winners will receive cash prizes for themselves and the non-profit Jewish institution of their choice.

“With the prizes, the children can feel a sense of pride in helping their community,” said Benjaminson. “Every single child is a jewel and has enormous capabilities. All we have to do is let them shine, and they can reach whatever heights they want to.”