Education and Sharing Day: Honoring the Rebbe’s Legacy of Learning and Compassion

Celebrating a Vision Where Education Knows No Boundaries and Character Shapes the Future

On National Education and Sharing Day, celebrated annually on the birthday of a leader, which falls on the 11th of Nissan in the Jewish calendar, we learn that sharing genuinely reflects caring. Education extends beyond earning a degree to influence a specific profession; it nurtures the spirit and builds character through the combined efforts of mentors, teachers, family, scholarship initiatives, and community figures. Join us in honoring the esteemed Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson and his contributions over a century ago to promote education collectively, both nationally and internationally. 

Background of Education and Sharing Day

The seventh leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, known as ‘the Rebbe,’ was certainly the sole Jewish figure in contemporary history who spread education without allowing any divisions to hinder him. He was convinced that every child deserves an education. 

The Rebbe was a spiritual guide who championed education that extended beyond just academics, and he invested significant effort in fostering character development and moral values in youth. 

He came to the United States in 1941 and, from that time on, he focused on one aim: education for everyone. Schneerson also led the Chabad Lubavitch, a worldwide movement that created a network of Jewish educational centers and institutes (known as Chabad Houses) in the U.S. and around the world, where spiritual enlightenment and academic knowledge were shared together. 

The Rebbe is acknowledged for his remarkable dedication and distinctive method toward improving society- as he aptly articulated in his objectives, “To place increased focus on advancing essential human rights and the responsibilities of justice and ethics, which form the foundation of any human community, if it is to remain genuinely human and not devolve into chaos.” 

Born on the 11th of Nissan in the Hebrew (Jewish) calendar, just four days ahead of Passover, the Rebbe’s birthday has been observed as National Education and Sharing Day in the United States since 1978 through a collaborative agreement of the U.S. Congress and the president. Every year, the U.S. president officially declares the day, alongside governors and state legislatures across various states and cities, to honor the Rebbe’s unique contributions and inspire the public to emulate his actions for an improved society. 

Typically, Education and Sharing Day is observed between March 21 and April 21 in the Gregorian calendar. 

Timeline of Education and Sharing Day

• 1978 Birth of Education and Sharing Day- The U.S. Congress and President Jimmy Carter declare the birthday of Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as the yearly Education and Sharing Day to honor his contributions to education.

• 1979 Endorsement of an Education Program- In his message to Congress, President Jimmy Carter emphasizes the critical necessity for educational reform in the United States to set a global example. 

• 1982 Ronald Reagan and Rebbe- President Reagan, who had a close bond for many years with the Rebbe, declares the leader’s goal of Seven Universal Laws.

• 1984 Death of the Great Leader- The 92-year-old champion for inclusive education passed away on June 12.

Ways to Celebrate Education and Sharing Day

• Learn More About the Rebbe: Dedicate some time today to discover more about the individual who spread education globally, ensuring no part of the world was overlooked. While you attain the best standard of education today, you should at least credit this to the Rebbe.

• Share the Message: Initiate discussions with #EducationAndSharingDay on your social media to inform as many individuals as possible about those who planted the seeds for universal education in their lives, fulfilling the day’s intent!

• Teach Someone About a Topic: If you’re not currently a tutor in any capacity (and even if you are!), set a goal today to teach someone nearby something they weren’t aware of before. It may be as simple as an interesting tidbit, a culinary recipe, or content from your syllabus.

Read More: How to Choose the Best GMAT Coaching Institute in Bangalore: Key Factors to Consider

Intriguing Facts About Education That Will Astound You

• Oldest School in the World Located in England: Founded in 597 A.D. by the Apostle of the English, the oldest school in the world is situated in Canterbury, England.

• Tibet’s Tallest School in the World: Providing free mandatory education, this school stands 656 feet above the Mount Everest base camp, reaching an impressive height of 17,629 feet above sea level, situated in Phumachangtang, Tibet.

• Mastering Knitting: In Iceland, kids starting at the age of seven are required to learn knitting as part of their education.

• U.S. Ranks Fifth Among College-Degree Holders: Individuals aged 25 to 64 years in the United States hold the fifth position globally for the highest number of people with college degrees.

• Schools for Priests: Prior to the Rebbe, Harvard College, among the earliest institutions in the U.S., provided higher education exclusively to priests who would subsequently transmit knowledge and religious teachings to the affluent.

Read More: How to Master Static GK for Competitive Exams

Significance of Education and Sharing Day

• Gained an Important Lesson: Without the Rebbe, we would not have discovered how liberating and inspiring education can be. Without recognizing any limits, he ensured that every community understood the qualities that characterize an educated individual.

• Advanced Community: Education enables us to differentiate between right and wrong while fostering honesty, discipline, and empathy. Education is the sole catalyst for improving society.

• No Bias: The Rebbe recognized no splits or distinctions. He devoted himself tirelessly for all humanity- whether young or old, male or female, leader or ordinary person, academic or worker, pupil or educator. He made certain that his Chabad Houses included everyone.