By COLlive reporter
U.S. President Barack Obama has continued the tradition of his predecessors and declared Tuesday, the 11th of Nissan, as the national “Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.”
The day will mark the 110th birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, which is being celebrated in Jewish communities around the country and world.
In a proclamation released to COLlive.com by White House Office of the Press Secretary, the President writes that on this day “we reflect on the teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who embodied that humanitarian spirit.
“As a tireless advocate for youth around the world, he inspired millions to lift the cause of education, to practice kindness and generosity, and to aspire toward their highest ideals.
“His enduring legacy lives on in those he touched, and today, we resolve to carry forward his dedication to service and scholarship.”
The day was first established in 1978 by a joint Congressional resolution thanks to the efforts of American Friends of Lubavitch, directed by Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, the Rebbe’s Shliach to the White House and Washington, DC.
Since then, all Presidents have designate annually Education and Sharing Day U.S.A. on the anniversary of the Rebbe’s birth in appreciation for his dedication to the cause of education.
Here is the full text:
EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY, U.S.A., 2012
– – – – – – –
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
For centuries, the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of character have driven American progress and enriched our national life. On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we renew our commitment to these timeless aspirations, and we rededicate ourselves to fostering in our sons and daughters inquiring minds and compassionate hearts.
In a global economy where more than half of new jobs will demand higher education or advanced training, we must do everything we can to equip our children with the tools for success. Their journey begins early, and it demands stewardship from throughout the community — from parents and caregivers who inspire a love of learning to teachers and mentors who guide our children along the path to achievement. Our Nation’s prosperity grows with theirs, and by ensuring every child has access to a world class education, we reach for a brighter future for all Americans.
Yet, we also move forward knowing we cannot secure the promise of tomorrow through formal education alone. With each generation, our Nation has confronted questions that tested the quality and character of our people. We have borne witness to seemingly insurmountable problems of inequality, oppression, or dire circumstance at home and abroad, and where we have recognized injustice, the way forward has not always been clear. Time and again, during moments of trial, Americans have demonstrated a fundamental commitment to compassion, cooperation, and goodwill toward others — doing not what is easy, but what is right. These qualities have come to define us, and as we prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders, let us nourish in them the virtues that have sustained our country for generations.
On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we reflect on the teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who embodied that humanitarian spirit. As a tireless advocate for youth around the world, he inspired millions to lift the cause of education, to practice kindness and generosity, and to aspire toward their highest ideals. His enduring legacy lives on in those he touched, and today, we resolve to carry forward his dedication to service and scholarship.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 3, 2012, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
you forgot to sign?
Because of this ,most problably Now he is going to be reelected
Yasher coach Obama.
no it doesn’t he says one thing, but does another
amazing !
This is an endorsement of the Rebbe not the president.
1. The President has signed the proclamation but the actual fancy document is not delivered until a least a week or two later.
2. You are correct that this is a formality (instituted by Congress years back)
3. We should be thankful / appreciative for this but I don’t think anyone expects a single document to change people’s opinions about Mr. Obama to either side.
i hope its his last time.
Please remember that this day has become a FORMALITY and is handled by the office of the Press Secretary. You will note that the official document is not even signed by Obama. I would be surprised if he even saw it. It’s a very nice thing to have but please don’t think any better of Obama because of this.
its a wonderful feeling knowing we have a president such a lover of the jewish ppl wowe you made my day
not bad for obama!!!
Jimmy Carter YMS was the first one to do this – and Obama is Jimmy Carter redux. This is a formality and a show that should not reflect on our decision to vote for a candidate with American and Bnei Noiach values in November.
uch… i hate that official documents mention this avoda zara. Yoshke aint our lord.
That’s it, he’s got me! We gotta keep him in check but this is great, Boruch Hashem…KEEP STRONG IN AVOIDAH AND BE SHOMER YOUR EYES ON MIVTZOIM! It is the GREATEST Mitzvah of all! 🙂 LOVE YOU ALL!
That makes up for everything!
We don’t usually have school though
thank you mr. president