View the Original .pdfThe 1-Minute Brief
What: A Presidential Proclamation designating April 9, 2025, as "Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A." The day honors the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson and calls on Americans to focus on education rooted in moral and ethical values.
Money: This action has no direct financial impact. It does not appropriate funds or have a cost score.
Your Impact: The proclamation is primarily symbolic. It encourages personal reflection on education and values but does not create any new requirements or programs for the average American.
Status: Proclaimed by the President on April 9, 2025. This tradition has been renewed annually by Congress and every President since 1978.
What's Actually in the Proclamation
This Presidential Proclamation officially designates April 9, 2025, as "Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A." It is a ceremonial document intended to honor a prominent figure and promote a national value. The proclamation does not create new law or mandate any specific action, but rather encourages a day of observance.
Core Provisions:
- Designates April 9, 2025, as "Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A."
- Calls upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and all citizens to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities.
- Draws inspiration from the life and teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
- Links the Rebbe's teachings on education, charity, and good deeds to American values.
- References contemporary events, including the October 7, 2023, attacks and the ongoing fight against antisemitism, as context for the proclamation's message.
Stated Purpose (from the Sponsors):
The stated purpose, reiterated annually since its inception, is to honor the contributions of Rabbi Schneerson to education and to encourage a national focus on the moral and ethical dimensions of learning.
- To draw inspiration from the life and legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
- To encourage all Americans to reflect upon the Rebbe's teachings on education, good deeds, and charity.
- To promote a form of education that builds character as well as intellect.
Key Facts:
Affected Sectors: Education, Non-Profit/Charity, Civic Engagement.
Timeline: This is an annual proclamation tied to the Hebrew birthday of Rabbi Schneerson. This specific proclamation is for observation on April 9, 2025.
Scope: The proclamation has a national scope, addressing all people of the United States.
The Backstory: How We Got Here
Timeline of Events:
The Post-War Era (1940s-1970s):
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who arrived in America in 1941, led the Chabad-Lubavitch movement from New York after the devastation of the Holocaust. He began establishing a global network of educational and social service institutions, known as Chabad Houses, with a mission to reinvigorate Jewish life and promote a message of kindness and education to all.
The Beginning of a Tradition (1978):
The U.S. Congress, recognizing Rabbi Schneerson's lifelong efforts, passed a joint resolution asking President Jimmy Carter to designate the Rebbe's birthday as a national day for education. President Carter signed the first proclamation, establishing "Education Day, U.S.A." This act began a tradition that has been continued by every subsequent president.
An Annual Bipartisan Consensus (1978-Present):
For over four decades, presidents from both parties—including Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden—have issued annual proclamations for Education and Sharing Day. The day is often marked by events in Washington D.C. and in states and cities across the country, many of which issue their own similar proclamations. In 2018, all 50 states officially recognized the day.
Why Now? The Political Calculus:
- A Longstanding Tradition: The annual issuance of this proclamation is a well-established, non-controversial tradition. Failing to issue it would be a noticeable break from over 40 years of bipartisan precedent.
- Reinforcing Core Values: In a polarized political climate, the proclamation offers a rare opportunity for leaders to speak about universally praised values like education, charity, and moral character without entering into partisan debate.
- Engaging a Key Community: The proclamation is a significant gesture of recognition for the Chabad-Lubavitch community and the broader American Jewish community, acknowledging their contributions to the nation.
- Responding to Current Events: This specific 2025 proclamation uses the platform to address the "horrors of antisemitism" in the context of the October 7, 2023, attacks, framing the Rebbe's teachings as an antidote to hate.
Your Real-World Impact
The Direct Answer: This proclamation directly affects educational and community groups that choose to organize events, but for most Americans, its impact is indirect and symbolic.
What Could Change for You:
Potential Benefits:
- Inspiration and Awareness: You may see or hear news coverage, school announcements, or community events related to the day, prompting reflection on the role of values in education.
- Educational Opportunities: Some schools or local organizations may host special programs, ceremonies, or activities that you or your children could participate in.
- Community Engagement: The day's focus on sharing and charity might inspire local volunteer efforts or fundraising drives that you could join.
Possible Disruptions or Costs:
Short-term (On April 9, 2025):
- There are no mandated disruptions or costs associated with this proclamation.
Long-term:
- There are no long-term costs or regulatory changes. The proclamation's influence is cultural and aspirational, not legal.
Who's Most Affected:
Primary Groups: The Chabad-Lubavitch community, Jewish schools, and organizations involved in values-based education.
Secondary Groups: Educators, students, and non-profit organizations that may use the day as a theme for their activities.
Regional Impact: While national, the day may have higher visibility in areas with a significant Chabad-Lubavitch presence, such as New York.
Bottom Line: For the vast majority of citizens, this proclamation will not change their daily lives, but it serves as an annual, presidentially endorsed reminder of the importance of character education.
Where the Parties Stand
Republican Position: "A Commitment to Character and Freedom"
Core Stance: The Republican party fully supports the proclamation, viewing it as a celebration of faith, educational freedom, and the formation of national character.
Their Arguments:
- ✓ Praises the focus on moral and ethical values as essential to education.
- ✓ Supports honoring a leader who championed religious outreach and built strong communities.
- ✓ Views the Rebbe's work as a model for how private and faith-based initiatives can contribute to the public good.
Legislative Strategy: To continue the multi-decade tradition of issuing the proclamation annually when in the executive office, and to support related congressional resolutions.
Democratic Position: "Education for a More Just Society"
Core Stance: The Democratic party fully supports the proclamation, highlighting it as a call for education to foster tolerance, justice, and service to others.
Their Arguments:
- ✓ Praises the emphasis on education as a tool to create a more just and compassionate society.
- ✓ Supports honoring a leader who provided hope and guidance in the wake of persecution.
- ✓ Views the Rebbe's global network of community centers as a testament to the power of outreach and support for all people.
Legislative Strategy: To continue the multi-decade tradition of issuing the proclamation annually when in the executive office, and to support related congressional resolutions.
Constitutional Check
The Verdict: ✓ Constitutional
Basis of Authority:
The President issues this proclamation by virtue of the authority vested by the laws of the United States, following a tradition established by a congressional resolution. The original authorization came from the 95th Congress. While ceremonial, it is a recognized power of the executive office to issue proclamations that honor individuals or call for national observance of an ideal.
Article II of the Constitution grants the President executive power, which has historically been interpreted to include ceremonial duties such as issuing proclamations.
Constitutional Implications:
Establishment Clause: The First Amendment prohibits the government from establishing a religion. While the proclamation honors a specific religious leader, its focus and call to action are on the secular values of education, ethics, and charity. Its long, bipartisan history and inclusive language have prevented it from being seen as a government endorsement of one religion over others.
Precedent: The Supreme Court has generally allowed for the recognition of religion's role in society, particularly when it serves a secular purpose. The consistent focus on education and character across all presidential proclamations for this day aligns with this precedent.
Federalism: The proclamation does not impinge on powers reserved for the states. It is a national call to observance and does not mandate any action from state governments or local school districts.
Potential Legal Challenges:
Given its 45+ year history of bipartisan support and its careful framing around universal values, the proclamation faces no significant legal vulnerabilities. It is highly unlikely to be challenged in court, and if it were, such a challenge would be very unlikely to succeed.
Your Action Options
TO SUPPORT THIS PROCLAMATION
5-Minute Actions:
- Share on Social Media: Post about "Education and Sharing Day" and what character education means to you.
- Thank an Educator: Send a quick email or note to a teacher, mentor, or community leader who you feel embodies the values of the day.
30-Minute Deep Dive:
- Organize a Discussion: Talk with your family, friends, or colleagues about the role of ethics and values in personal and professional life.
- Find a Local Event: Search for events or programs hosted by local Chabad centers or other community organizations in observance of the day.
TO OPPOSE THIS PROCLAMATION
While organized opposition to this specific proclamation is virtually nonexistent, citizens concerned about the principle of honoring a religious figure in a government proclamation could take the following actions:
5-Minute Actions:
- Call Your Rep/Senators: Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121. "I'm a constituent from [Your City/Town]. I am concerned about presidential proclamations that single out specific religious figures and would prefer a focus on secular figures or general principles."
30-Minute Deep Dive:
- Write a Letter to the Editor: Submit a letter to your local newspaper explaining your views on the separation of church and state in government observances.
- Join an Organization: Support organizations that advocate for a strict separation of church and state.