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Pure Friendship for Individuals with Special Needs
Tzvi Schectman
Jewish

Today Is Education Day U.S.A.

Today marks the 110th birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory (1902-1994).  Every year this day is celebrated as Education and Sharing Day U.S.A.

What is it?

Established in 1978 by a joint Congressional resolution, Education Day U.S.A. focuses on the very foundation of meaningful education: instructing our youth in the ways of morality and ethics. Education Day U.S.A. was instituted in honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of blessed memory. It has been held ever year on the Rebbe's birthday. The Rebbe  dedicated his life to teaching and encouraging others to be teachers and mentors.

The Rebbe

[caption id="attachment_6862" align="alignright" width="300"]The Lubavitcher Rebbe The Rebbe gives a coin to a young child to give to charity. Photos Courtesy of Lubavitch Archives[/caption] The Rebbe, the seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, is considered to have been the most phenomenal Jewish personality of modern times. To hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of sympathizers and admirers around the world, he was -- and still is, despite his passing -- "the Rebbe," undoubtedly, the one individual more than any other singularly responsible for stirring the conscience and spiritual awakening of world Jewry.
"On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we celebrate the example set by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who dedicated his life to improving education and fostering goodwill for all people. His legacy continues to inspire individuals to carry forward his effort to build a brighter future. Each year, Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. reminds us of our obligation to create opportunities for a better tomorrow—life lessons we pass on to all our children."

From President Barack Obama's Proclamation on Education Day U.S.A, Aprill 15th 2011

The Rebbe strongly believed that "Education does not stop at the school gates. It is not a business, run on a time-clock. It is a vocation, a sacred calling, the molding of future generations."

Our Inspiration

The Rebbe taught us to look inside the soul of a person to understand his or her true potential. It is his belief that none of us is complete until all of us are included. It is this single concept that motivates Friendship Circle. Friendship Circle was founded because of the Rebbe's concern for each individual person. It is from this inspiration that has lead Friendship Circle to do it's utmost for children with special needs. To provide love and friendship, to provide a safe haven of inclusion, to raise awareness and to tell the world that each regardless of ability has a special and unique soul.
"Education and Sharing Day honors the legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson and emphasizes our commitment to teach the next generation of Americans the values that make our country strong. The Lubavitcher Rabbi believed that society should 'make a new commitment to kindness,' and he helped to establish education and outreach centers offering social service programs and humanitarian aid around the world."

From President George W. Bush's Proclamation on Education Day U.S.A in 2007

More Information about Education Day U.S.A.

WRITTEN ON November 15, 2013 BY:

Tzvi Schectman

Tzvi Schectman is the Family Coordinator for the Friendship Circle of Michigan and the Editor of the the Friendship Circle Blog. You can connect with Tzvi on LinkedIn and Google+