Education and Sharing Day

Education and Sharing Day
Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
Official name	Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.
Observed by	United States
Type	National
Significance	Celebration of hard work, service and commitment to learning
Date	11 Nissan
2016 date	April 19
2017 date	April 7
2018 date	March 27
2019 date	April 16
Frequency	Annual

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.