By COLlive staff
In a show of bipartisan recognition, New York State leaders marked the 124th birthday of the Rebbe with a series of events at the State Capitol and an official proclamation declaring 124 Days of Education statewide.
The observances, held over two days in Albany, included sessions in both the New York State Assembly and Senate, special prayer invocations, and meetings with elected officials. Governor Kathy Hochul hosted a reception in her executive office, where she presented a formal proclamation honoring the Rebbe’s enduring impact on education and society.
The initiative highlights a central theme of the Rebbe’s teachings: that education rooted in moral clarity, faith and personal responsibility forms the foundation of a just and stable society.
The events were coordinated with the participation of Rabbi Velvl Butman, executive director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Westchester County, continuing a tradition established by his late father, Rabbi Shmuel Butman. Beginning in the 1970s, Rabbi Shmuel Butman initiated the custom of opening legislative sessions with prayer invocations in honor of the Rebbe’s birthday.
During this year’s invocations, speakers emphasized the importance of universal moral values, including the Seven Noahide Laws, and the role of education in shaping ethical behavior and strengthening society.
Lawmakers from both chambers also took part in a charitable initiative, each contributing personally to a charity box, reflecting the Rebbe’s emphasis on action and responsibility toward others.
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A special highlight of the visit was the reception hosted by Governor Hochul, attended by Rabbi Velvl Butman together with local shluchim to the Greater Capital District, including Rabbi Yisroel Rubin, regional director of Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Nachman Simon, and Rabbi Abba Rubin.
During the meeting, Rabbi Butman shared insights from the Rebbe’s teachings, including the examples of the Biblical figures Ruth and Esther and their sense of responsibility and leadership. Governor Hochul responded by noting the importance of these values for leadership and public service.
This year’s commemoration carries added significance, marking 85 years since the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson arrived on American shores in 1941 after escaping war-torn Europe. From that point, the Rebbe would go on to build and inspire what has become a global network of Jewish life and learning, with thousands of Chabad-Lubavitch centers serving communities worldwide.
At a VIP reception attended by Assembly members, Senators and community leaders, including Assemblyman David Weprin, participants reflected on the Rebbe’s far-reaching influence and the continued growth of his vision through the work of shluchim worldwide. The event was sponsored by Rabbi Butman on behalf of the Lubavitch Youth Organization and included participation by the Rubin family.
Despite a demanding legislative schedule, Hochul took part in the observances, speaking about the relevance of the Rebbe’s teachings in promoting respect, responsibility and moral purpose. She also joined in the charitable initiative and received handmade shmura matzah from the Crown Heights Matzah Bakery.
Over the course of the two days, Rabbi Butman met with numerous Assembly members and Senators, distributing shmura matzah and sharing messages about personal responsibility, leadership and acts of goodness and kindness.
Leaders from across the political spectrum joined in issuing the proclamation, reflecting a broad acknowledgment of the Rebbe’s influence on public life and the enduring importance of values-based education.
As the events concluded in Albany, the message emphasized that the strength of society rests not only on policy, but on education that shapes character, responsibility and a commitment to the greater good.
