SR0265 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0265 LRB101 11751 ALS 58452 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Excellence in education is vital to the success of our nation, our State, and our communities; and

WHEREAS, In the great State of Illinois, we seek the betterment of our citizens and look to provide each child and adolescent with a good education; and

WHEREAS, Education develops the intellect and prepares students for the responsibilities and opportunities of the future through lessons in literacy, math, and science; and

WHEREAS, The Rebbe, the global spiritual leader Rabbi Menachem Schneerson who dedicated his life to the betterment of mankind, provided a shining example of what education ought to be for all people; and

WHEREAS, The Rebbe was a tireless advocate for youth, emphasizing the importance of education and good character and instilling hope for a brighter future in countless people around the world; and

WHEREAS, The Rebbe taught that education, in general, should not be limited to the acquisition of knowledge and preparation for a career, nor should its sole focus be on making a better living; and

WHEREAS, The educational system must also focus on building character by emphasizing the cultivation of universal moral and ethical values that have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization, including the values known as the Seven Noahide Laws, which have often been cited as a guarantee of fundamental human rights; and

WHEREAS, The Rebbe taught that people must think in terms of creating better lives for all members of society and that focusing on the development of character, as well as strong moral and ethical values, would further that goal; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the Rebbe's outstanding and lasting contributions to global education and his focus on morality and acts of charity, the Rebbe has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and the United States Congress has established his birthday as a national day to raise awareness of the importance of strengthening the educational system for our children; and

WHEREAS, Every year since 1978, on the Rebbe's birthday, the President of the United States, regardless of political affiliation, has paid recognition to the Rebbe's vision by proclaiming the day "Education and Sharing Day, USA"; and

WHEREAS, We strengthen the character of our youth by encouraging them to serve a cause greater than themselves and by fostering values, such as courage and compassion; and

WHEREAS, By instilling a spirit of service in our children, we create a more optimistic future for our children and the State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 16, 2019 as Illinois Education and Sharing Day in the State of Illinois.