Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed April 9, 2025, as Education and Sharing Day, held to emphasize the importance of morality in education, a cause championed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (z”l).
This year, April 9 marks the 123rd anniversary of the Rebbe’s birth. For more than 40 years, U.S. presidents, Congress and local governments have recognized this date as Education and Sharing Day, to honor him.
In commemoration of the Rebbe’s birthday, Gov. Kelly calls on all Kansans “to reach out to those within [their] communities to create a better, brighter, and more hopeful future for all” in the proclamation. She further emphasized that our educational system must focus not only on academics but also on building character through the cultivation of moral and ethical values.
During a ceremony on March 26 at the Kansas State Capitol, Governor Kelly presented the official proclamation to a delegation led by Chabad rabbis from across the state, Jewish student leaders from the University of Kansas and educators from across Kansas.
The Rebbe, one of the most influential rabbis in modern history, is the only rabbi to have received the Congressional Gold Medal and to be honored annually with a national day of recognition. His teachings continue to inspire millions and serve as the driving force behind the work of the 5,500 Chabad centers worldwide. In 1970, the Rebbe established Chabad in Kansas and Missouri when he sent Rabbi Sholom and Blumah Wineberg, who are currently the longest serving rabbi and rebbetzin in this state.
The Rebbe strongly advocated for education that goes beyond academic achievement, stressing the importance of character-building and ethical responsibility. His vision was echoed by President Ronald Reagan in his 1982 proclamation for Education and Sharing Day, stating that “knowledge is an unworthy goal unless it is accompanied by moral and spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
Education and Sharing Day encourages initiatives such as a daily moment of silence at the beginning of the school day, allowing students time to reflect on moral guidance from their parents, and the ARK (Acts of Random and Routine Kindness) initiative, which promotes daily acts of kindness and charitable giving.
The proclamation by Governor Kelly of Education and Sharing Day.