What Is Public Law 102-14??

What Is Public Law 102-14

Public Law 102-14 -
102d CONGRESS, 1st Session -
H. J. RES. 104 -
JOINT RESOLUTION



To designate March 26, 1991, as `Education Day , U.S.A. '.
Whereas Congress recognizes the historical tradition of ethical values and principles which are the basis of civilized society and upon which our great Nation was founded;
Whereas these ethical values and principles have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization, when they were known as the Seven Noahide Laws;
Whereas without these ethical values and principles the edifice of civilization stands in serious peril of returning to chaos;
Whereas society is profoundly concerned with the recent weakening of these principles that has resulted in crises that beleaguer and threaten the fabric of civilized society;
Whereas the justified preoccupation with these crises must not let the citizens of this Nation lose sight of their responsibility to transmit these historical ethical values from our distinguished past to the generations of the future;
Whereas the Lubavitch movement has fostered and promoted these ethical values and principles throughout the world;
Whereas Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader of the Lubavitch movement, is universally respected and revered and his eighty-ninth birthday falls on March 26, 1991;
Whereas in tribute to this great spiritual leader, `the rebbe,' this, his ninetieth year will be seen as one of `education and giving,' the year in which we turn to education and charity to return the world to the moral and ethical values contained in the Seven Noahide Laws; and
Whereas this will be reflected in an international scroll of honor signed by the President of the United States and other heads of state: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That March 26, 1991, the start of the ninetieth year of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, leader of the worldwide Lubavitch movement, is designated as `Education Day, U.S.A. '. The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Approved March 20, 1991. Signed by George Bush, President of the United States of America
April 7, 1998
Nissan 11, 5758
By the grace of G-d
America's strength lies in her human resources, and in the freedom and tolerance that enable these resources to blossom.
Education is the first and foremost vehicle of fostering these most basic and inexhaustible national resources.
Our challenge is to create an educational system that promotes warmth, love, joy, and disciplined freedom, spurring all to develop their G-d-given potential and dedicate themselves to a life of positive activity.
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
The Lubavitcher Rebbe
Chabad Magazine, Tammuz 5755
It is abundantly clear to educators and law-enforcement agents that neither intimidation nor threat of punishment can foster a deep sense of moral obligation. This can only come through the knowledge-- through education--that there is an "Eye that sees and an Ear that hears" to Whom we are all accountable.
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
The Lubavitcher Rebbe
Lubavitch International, Summer 5750
No true education can leave out the moral and spiritual dimensions of human life and human striving.
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
The Lubavitcher Rebbe
in a letter to President Ronald Reagan, 10 Iyar 5746/May 19, 1986
Education does not stop at the school gates. It is not a business, run on a time-clock. It is a vocation, a sacred calling, the molding of future generations. In practical terms, schools must arrange programs for their students after school hours. This does not necessarily mean extra hours of study. Rather, activities which are enjoyable, while simultaneously reinforcing the concepts learned at school. It does not really matter which activities are chosen, as long as they are wholesome, good for the soul as well as the body.
The goal is to ensure that every moment of a child's life is occupied with positive actions.
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
The Lubavitcher Rebbe
After School Hours
Student's Translation / adapted from a sicha 19 Kislev 5742
Reflections
The Rebbe has been sending messengers from one lost person to another, telling each of these people who they are. "You are not animals. You are human beings."
"Look within yourself and you will see that you are far better than you imagined. Just look. Open your eyes."
The Rebbe said to everybody: "You can be better. You can be far better. You just have to let yourself."
This is the story and secret of your own being. It is not like climbing a big mountain. It is just allowing your soul to speak.
Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
At The George Washington University
June 1995
Educating Our Youth
Education is not merely the transfer of information and skills, but more importantly, the communication of values and character traits which parents and grandparents have learned through their studies and life experience.
Ideally, morality and ethics, learning right from wrong, are taught at home. Unfortunately, many parents today do not or cannot provide such an education, so the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the public school system.
American families share a core of beliefs. This country was born on the foundation of what we print on our dollar bills: "In G-d We Trust." As in the business world, where assets are given to another to be held in trust, we Americans are confident that every detail of our lives can be safely entrusted to G-d. The G-d in Whom we trust commanded us in the Bible to respect parents, and He warned us against robbery, murder, and even covetousness. The educational system of our great nation was founded on these principles.
Twenty Years
For twenty years (since 1978), Congress and each President have designated the day which is four days before the Jewish holiday of Passover as "Education Day, U.S.A." They have called upon us to renew our national commitment to education that embraces the moral and ethical values which are the cornerstone of civilized society.
Passover and Education
The holiday dinner on the night of Passover is organized around teaching Jewish children faith in G-d and answering their questions. The order of the night is to climb fifteen steps of awareness that lead to spiritual freedom.
The fourth cup of wine is poured after everyone has finished eating and said Grace. The time is generally after midnight, but two more steps remain. The front door is opened without fear as a demonstration that "In G-d We Trust." True, these actual words are not in the prayer book, but King David composed a similar phrase thousands of years ago -- "Ye who fear the L-rd, trust in the L-rd . . ." (Psalms 115:11).
A Moment of Silence
No true education can leave out the moral and spiritual dimensions of human life and human striving. It is abundantly clear to educators and law-enforcement agents that neither intimidation nor threat of punishment can foster a deep sense of moral obligation. This can only come through the knowledge -- through education -- that there is an "Eye that sees and an Ear that hears" to Whom we are all accountable and in Whom we all trust.
When schools establish a "Moment of Silence" at the start of the school day, children have the opportunity to think about the most important things in their lives as instructed by their parents. Each child is free to use this reflection time without teacher, supervisor, or government intervention.
Pronunciation Notes:
Nissan - NIH suhn
Lubavitcher - loo BAH vitch er
Lubavitch - loo BAH vitch
Rebbe - REH bee, REH beh
Chabad - khah BAHD