On National Education and Sharing Day, honored every year on the birthday of a leader, which is day 11 of Nissan on the Jewish calendar, we get to know that sharing is truly caring. Education goes beyond obtaining a degree to shape a certain career; it cultivates the spirit and develops the character through the collaborative efforts of mentors, educators, family members, scholarship programs, and community leaders. Join us as we pay tribute to the great Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson and his work of more than a century ago for shared education nationwide and across borders.
History of Education and Sharing Day
The seventh leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, ‘the Rebbe’ was undeniably the only Jewish personality of modern times to have disseminated education without letting any divisions prevent him. He believed that every child was owed an education. The Rebbe was a spiritual leader who was an advocate for education beyond academics, and he went to great lengths to bring about character building and moral virtues in young minds. He arrived in the United States in 1941 and, since then, he worked towards one goal: education for all. Schneerson also spearheaded the Chabad Lubavitch, an international movement that established a network of Jewish educational centers and institutes (called Chabad Houses) in the U.S. and across the globe where spiritual awakening and academic knowledge were distributed together. The Rebbe is recognized for his exceptional efforts and a unique approach to the betterment of the society — as he so rightly spelled out in his goals, “To put greater emphasis on the promotion of fundamental human rights and obligations of justice and morality, which are the basis of any human society, if it is to be truly human and not turn into a jungle.” Born on 11 Nissan of the Hebrew (Jewish) calendar, four days before the Passover, the Rebbe’s birthday has been commemorated as National Education and Sharing Day in the United States since 1978 as a joint decision of the U.S. Congress and the president. Each year, the president of America nationally proclaims the day, along with governors and state legislatures in different states and cities, to salute the Rebbe’s singular efforts and encourage the public to follow his steps for a better society. Generally, Education and Sharing Day falls between March 21 and April 21 on the Gregorian calendar.
Education and Sharing Day timeline
The U.S. Congress and President Jimmy Carter designate the birthday of Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as the annual Education and Sharing Day to applaud his efforts for education.
In his Union message, President Jimmy Carter endorses the urgent need for education reform in the United States to prove an example to the world.
President Reagan, who shared a deep relationship for many years with the Rebbe, proclaims the leader’s aim of Seven Universal Laws.
The 92-year-old advocate for shared education breathes his last breath on June 12.
Education and Sharing Day FAQs
Why is National Education and Sharing Day on different days each year?
The Day is celebrated on the birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, which is on day 11 of Nissan on the Hebrew Calendar and falls between March 21 and April 21 of the Gregorian calendar.
Who was the Rebbe?
He was the seventh spiritual and most influential Jewish leader of the 20th century to have worked for the academic achievements and character development of the entire mankind.
What is Chabad-Lubavitch?
It is a Jewish-Hasidic dynasty and best known for its outreach activities.
How to Observe Education and Sharing Day
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Read more about Rebbe
Take time out today to learn more about the man who shared education across borders without leaving any corner of the world untouched. As you gain the highest quality of education today, you do owe this to Rebbe at least.
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Spread the word
Start the conversation using #EducationAndSharingDay on your social media to let as many people know who sowed the seeds for universal education in their lives, and rightly serve the purpose for the day!
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Educate somebody about something
If you aren’t already a tutor in some way (and even if you are!), make a goal on this day to educate one person around you about something they didn’t already know. It can be as little as a fun fact, a cooking recipe, or something out of your curriculum.
5 Facts About Education That Will Blow Your Mind
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World’s oldest school in England
Founded by the Apostle of English in 597 A.D., the world’s oldest school is located in Canterbury, England.
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World’s highest school in Tibet
Offering free compulsory education, this school is 656 feet higher than the base camp at Mount Everest, at a whopping 17629 feet above sea level, and is located in Phumachangtang, Tibet.
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Learning knitting
In Iceland, children from the age of seven learn knitting as compulsory in their curriculum.
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The U.S. fifth in college-degree holders
Aged from 25 to 64 years, the United States ranks fifth in the world as the country with the greatest number of college-degree holders.
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High schools of priests
Before Rebbe, Harvard College, one of the first colleges in the United States, offered higher education only to priests who would then pass on the knowledge and religious doctrines to those who could afford it.
Why Education and Sharing Day is Important
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We learned a great lesson
If it wasn’t for the Rebbe, we wouldn’t have found education so freeing and soul-stirring. Knowing no boundaries, he made sure all communities learned the virtues that define an educated human being.
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A superior society
Education helps us distinguish between good and bad and inculcates honesty, discipline, and compassion. Education is the only driving force to transform society for the better.
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No discrimination!
The Rebbe acknowledged no divisions or separations. He worked with dedication for all mankind — young or old, man or woman, leader or layman, scholar or laborer, student or teacher. He ensured his Chabad Houses excluded no one.
Education and Sharing Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 12 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 18 | Thursday |
| 2025 | April 9 | Wednesday |
