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Education and Sharing Day

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Education and Sharing Day
Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
Official nameEducation and Sharing Day, U.S.A.
Observed byUnited States
TypeNational
SignificanceCelebration of hard work, service and commitment to learning
Date11 Nissan
FrequencyAnnual

Education and Sharing Day is a day established by the United States Congress in honor of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994). It calls for increased focus on education, and recognizes the efforts of Schneerson for education and sharing for all people. Since 1978 Education & Sharing Day, USA has been proclaimed annually the President on Schneerson's Jewish birthday (11 Nissan), which generally falls out in April.

History

In 1978, the U.S. Congress asked President Carter to designate Schneerson's birthday as the national Education and Sharing Day to recognize and pay tribute to his efforts for a better education for all American citizens.[1]

Schneerson was a passionate advocate for children and spoke about the need for each child to be given an education that would offer them the opportunities to succeed. He spoke about the need for education to focus not only on academic achievements but also on character building. During his life, Schneerson established a network of several thousand schools and educational centers in America and across the globe.

To honor these accomplishments, his birth date has been since commemorated as Education & Sharing Day, U.S.A., by Congress and the President.[2][3] Each year on that day, the President issues a proclamation which calls on American citizens to follow the example set by Schneerson and focus on education and betterment of society.

Excerpts of Texts of Proclamations

President Ronald Reagan wrote in his proclamation of 1982:

One shining example for people of all faiths of what education ought to be is that provided by the Lubavitch movement, headed by Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, a worldwide spiritual leader who will celebrate his 80th birthday on April 4, 1982. The Lubavitcher Rebbe's work stands as a reminder that knowledge is an unworthy goal unless it is accompanied by moral and spiritual wisdom and understanding. He has provided a vivid example of the eternal validity of the Seven Noahide Laws, a moral code for all of us regardless of religious faith. May he go from strength to strength.

In recognition of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's 80th birthday, the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled have issued House Joint Resolution 447 to set aside April 4, 1982, as a "National Day of Reflection."

President George H. W. Bush wrote in his proclamation of 1989:

It is fitting that we honor Rabbi Schneerson and acknowledge his important contributions to society. Our great Nation takes just pride in its dedication to the principles of justice, equality, and truth. Americans also understand that we have a responsibility to inspire the same dedication in future generations. We owe a tremendous debt to Rabbi Schneerson and to all those who promote education that embraces moral and ethical values and emphasizes their importance.

In recognition of Rabbi Schneerson's vital efforts, and in celebration of his 87th birthday, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 173, has designated April 16, 1989, and April 6, 1990, as "Education Day, U.S.A.

President Bill Clinton wrote in his proclamation of 1995:

"Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, well understood the importance of nurturing the heart along with the mind. Throughout his long and rich life, he believed that the education of our young people would only be successful if it sought to build character as well as intellect, if it taught the lessons of honesty, tolerance, and good citizenship, as well as language, math, and science.

This year, let us rededicate ourselves to teaching the love of learning that was championed by Rabbi Schneerson and is strengthened by caring leaders like him throughout our Nation. As we provide our students with the information and practical tools they need, let us also pass on to them the capacity for understanding that can help to give fuller meaning to their lives."

President George W. Bush wrote in his proclamation on Education and Sharing Day 2007:

"Education and Sharing Day honors the legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson and emphasizes our commitment to teach the next generation of Americans the values that make our country strong. The Lubavitcher Rabbi believed that society should 'make a new commitment to kindness,' and he helped to establish education and outreach centers offering social service programs and humanitarian aid around the world."

President Barack Obama wrote in his proclamation on Education & Sharing Day 2009:

"Few have better understood or more successfully promoted these ideas than Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who emphasized the importance of education and good character. Through the establishment of educational and social service institutions across the country and the world, Rabbi Schneerson sought to empower young people and inspire individuals of all ages. On this day, we raise his call anew."[4]

The 1991 bill described the Noahide Laws as the "ethical values and principles which are the basis of civilized society and upon which our great Nation was founded".[5]

President George W. Bush called upon "government officials, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to reach out to young people and work to create a better, brighter, and more hopeful future for all."

More on Rabbi Schneerson's Educational Initiatives

References

  1. ^ "Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 92 Part 1.djvu/254". Wikisource. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  2. ^ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. pp.30-36.
  3. ^ Fishkoff, Sue. The Rebbe's Army, Schoken, 2003 (08052 11381). Page 192.
  4. ^ "The White House - Press Office - Presidential Proclamation Marking Education And Sharing Day". Archived from the original on September 26, 2009.
  5. ^ To designate March 26, 1991, as `Education Day, U.S.A.'. (Enrolled as Agreed to or Passed by Both House and Senate)

See also

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