Kentucky Mandates Moment of Silence

A bill establishing a Moment of Silence in Kentucky has passed with overwhelming support in both houses of the legislature, thanks to the dedication and influence of the local Shluchim. The new law mandates “a moment of silence or reflection” in all public schools and encourages parents and guardians to guide their children in making meaningful use of this time.

The Rebbe strongly advocated for the Moment of Silence as a constitutionally sound means of instilling moral values in education. Beginning in 1983, he emphasized that true moral instruction must be rooted in a higher authority. As the Rebbe explained on Yud Alef Nissan in 1984, “[A] person has the ability to influence his surroundings, extending eventually to the country and to the whole world, making the world a stable, productive place. This begins with the proper education of the youth, as written: ‘Educate a youth according to his way so that when he grows older he will not depart from it.’ The only way to educate the youth in the ideals of justice and righteousness is not through instilling fear of the police (for then one can think he will outwit the police), but by instilling faith in the Creator and Ruler of the world—that there is ‘an Eye that sees and an Ear that hears.'”

In Kentucky, under the leadership of Head Shliach Rabbi Avrohom Litvin, the initiative was spearheaded by Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, with support from Rabbi Shmully Litvin, Rabbi Chaim Litvin, Rabbi Baruch Susman, and Rabbi Yanki Biggs. The bill was sponsored by Senator Rick Girdler, and Representative Dan Fister. Rabbi Litvin also received valuable resources and encouragement from Rabbi Avraham Frank, the International Coordinator of the Moment of Silence, who has successfully introduced the initiative in numerous New York schools. Reflecting on this collaboration, Rabbi Litvin remarked, “His materials and encouragement were an integral part of the campaign.”

Unique to Kentucky’s bill was language crafted by the Shluchim to capture the Rebbe’s vision precisely. The law not only prohibits school personnel from instructing students on the nature of their reflection during the Moment of Silence, but it also requires schools to notify parents and guardians, urging them to play an active role in guiding their children—both essential elements emphasized by the Rebbe.

The bill also enacts a provision for Released Time, allowing students to be excused for an hour each week for “moral instruction.” This program, which enjoyed tremendous support from the Rebbe, has empowered countless students to connect with Jewish education. The Lubavitch efforts in Released Time date back to 1940 when the Frierdiker Rebbe founded the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education and entrusted its leadership to Rabbi JJ Hecht. Now, for the first time, this program is available across Kentucky, further strengthening moral and ethical education throughout the Commonwealth