On Tuesday, March 4, a delegation of 17 Chabad rabbis from throughout Texas traveled to Austin to witness all three branches of the Texas state government dedicate the Rebbe’s upcoming birthday (four days before Passover; this year it occurs on April 9) as Education and Sharing Day.
Education and Sharing Day recognizes the importance of teaching our young people the values of a moral life and giving to others. For over 40 years, presidents, Congress, and state and local governments have honored the Rebbe for bringing moral and ethical education to the forefront of public discourse by recognizing his birthday as Education and Sharing Day.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott “Education entails more than the mere transmission of facts and figures,” wrote Governor Greg Abbott in his proclamation. “Rather it must prepare pupils for a life of responsibility purpose and honor. Few understood this profound truth better than Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. A scholar and leader, he strove to advance a mode of education rooted in both knowledge and virtue. He believed that learning should inspire students to a higher calling and uplift others. His work touched lives throughout the world, and his vision resonates to this day.” Texas Senate In the Texas Senate, Senator Cesar Blanco from El Paso introduced Senate Resolution 44 in honor of Education and Sharing Day, and several senators acknowledged and welcomed their local rabbis to the Capitol. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of his leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement,” reads the Senate resolution. “‘Chabad’ is an acronym of three Hebrew words for “wisdom, understanding and knowledge.” The name "Lubavitch" comes from the city which served as the movement’s headquarters for over a century and means city of love. Of all the ethical values which inform our civilization, none is more important than love - love of wisdom, love of humanity, and love of our Creator. These values have guided the Chabad-Lubavitch movement throughout its history and are the essence of education at its best, and we should be certain to pass on this precious heritage to all young Americans.” Click here to watch the video. Texas House of Representatives That afternoon, Speaker Pro Tempore Joe Moody from El Paso invited me to open the House session with a prayer. (The text of my prayer is at the end of this message.) Click here to watch the video. Rep. Moody then introduced House Resolution 351 in honor of Education and Sharing Day and spoke movingly about the importance of educating our children to be good people through daily charity giving. An ARK charity box, together with an explanation card, was placed on every desk in the chamber. “The Rebbe taught that every individual and every individual action has an impact on our universe,” explained Rep. Moody. “The plastic yellow box on your desk is a giving box, known as an ARK, which stands for Acts of Random Kindness. This box is yours to keep, to fill, and then share the contents with the charity of your choice. Place this in a position of prominence in your home or at your work. It will start a conversation about charity and giving. It instills in us the value of giving. There is no greater way of observing Education and Sharing Day than by making giving a habit in our lives, thereby transforming acts of random kindness into acts of routine kindness.” Click here to watch the video. Text of my prayer at the Texas House of Representatives: Master of the universe, bless all of us gathered here today, and especially the distinguished members of the Texas House of Representatives, who have been chosen to make laws and decisions for the citizens of our state in their noble pursuit of justice and equality. This is not only a civic responsibility but also a holy endeavor. Our tradition teaches of Seven Universal Laws given to mankind by G-d through Noah, including the instruction to foster a moral society governed by law. These laws also include the importance of serving G-d alone, respecting G-d’s name, and the prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, and cruelty against all living creatures. In these unprecedented and challenging times for our nation and for all humanity, we recall the timeless words of my revered teacher and global spiritual leader, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, whose 75th anniversary of leadership we celebrated last month. He taught: “Difference need not lead to division. On the contrary, true unity comes from a synthesis of different - even opposite - thrusts. Differences between people are overshadowed by what is common to all of us: we are G-d’s creations.” Almighty G-d, inspire us all to nurture an environment of love and acceptance. A deeper appreciation that within each individual lies untapped potential. In the words of the twelfth-century sage Maimonides, “Each person must view themselves as though the entire world were held in balance and with a single good deed, spoken word or even thought, they could tip the scales” ushering in the era of redemption as proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah when, “nation shall not lift the sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore.” In the spirit of unity and the power of a single deed, I take this opportunity to place this dollar bill - upon which is printed IN G-D WE TRUST - into a charity box. The charity box reminds us of our obligation and opportunity to be a force of goodness and sharing for our families, our neighbors, and society at large. Almighty G-d, May our great state serve as a beacon of light, strength and moral courage as we do our part in preparing the world for an era of global peace and tranquility. Let us say Amen.
