LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 15, 2012, as Education and Sharing Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 15, 2012, as Education and
Sharing Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of National Education and Sharing Day; and
WHEREAS, Education and Sharing Day was established by the United
States Congress in honor of the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson's
efforts in education and sharing for Jews and non-Jews alike; and
WHEREAS, During his lifetime, the Rabbi opened scores of centers of
education called "Chabad Houses"; he 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; and
WHEREAS, Understanding that both secular education and spiritual
training contribute enormously to human development, Rabbi Schneerson
sought to provide young people with fresh opportunities for academic,
social, and moral enrichment through the more than 2,000 educational and
social institutions he established throughout our country and around the
world; and
WHEREAS, National Education and Sharing Day was inaugurated on April
18, 1978, by President Jimmy Carter and has since been proclaimed, by
the presiding President, annually on the Jewish birthday of Menachem
Mendel Schneerson (11 Nissan); in 2009, it was marked on April 5; and
WHEREAS, Education and Sharing Day emphasizes our commitment to teach
the next generation of Americans the values that make our country
strong; and
WHEREAS, Throughout our Nation's history, education has been at the
heart of achievement in America, and it is the key to meeting the chal-
lenges and seizing the opportunities that lie before us; and
WHEREAS, To succeed in the global community of the 21st century, we
must provide all our citizens with a world-class, well-rounded educa-
tion; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, we must ensure that every American has not only the
knowledge and the skills he or she needs to flourish, but also a solid
foundation of moral guidance and values; and
WHEREAS, As the technology revolution breaks down barriers of
geography, culture, and economic status, it is more crucial than ever
that young people learn the importance of tolerance, cooperation, and
sharing; and
WHEREAS, Imbued with these values and enriched by a quality education,
our children can look forward to a bright future; and
WHEREAS, As we observe this special day, we renew our commitment to
excellence in education and to nurturing our young people's academic and
spiritual development, remembering the example of Rabbi Schneerson and
passing on to our children the values and knowledge that have strength-
ened our Nation in the past and that will empower us to face the chal-
lenges of the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 15, 2012, as
Education and Sharing Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.