McAllen city officials proclaimed Monday as Education and Sharing Day in the city, a national recognition that Chabad RGV has long been in favor of bringing to the local community.
It was first introduced by the U.S. Congress in 1978 in recognition of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, also known as the Rebbe. Every year since then, the sitting president will proclaim Education and Sharing Day, which is observed four days before Passover.
“We live in a world today where I think one of the greatest things that the youth growing up need the most is a proper understanding of morals and ethics that comes through educating the younger generation,” Rabbi Asher Hecht of Chabad RGV said. “It starts in the home, of course, but it extends to the schools and to society in general.”
The Rebbe, who would’ve turned 120 on April 18, was known for his emphasis on the importance of education. His impact is still felt on his community as many around the nation consider the importance of educating the youth and sharing with others.
“Because of his influence as a very spiritual leader, unparalleled probably in our generation or any generation, the U.S. Congress and the State Senate recognized that and decided to dedicate one day a year in his honor to education and sharing,” Hecht said. “Essentially that impact has come all the way to McAllen, Texas.”
Hecht said that one of the main focuses of Chabad RGV is to expand the idea of education and sharing.
On the same day that President Joe Biden signed a proclamation declaring the Rebbe’s birthday as “Education Day USA,” the city of McAllen signed their own proclamation in honor of the 120th anniversary of the Rebbe’s birth and his influence on education and sharing throughout the world and McAllen.
The proclamation was signed by Mayor Pro-Tem Joaquin Zamora.
“I was excited that the city went ahead and accepted this concept here and established it as a day of education and sharing,” Hecht said. “I think that’s fantastic. It just increases the importance and awareness of these issues.”
