On April 13 of this year the Congress of the United States concluded its deliberations on a joint resolution which recognized the need for this Nation to set aside a special day devoted to recognizing the importance of education in the lives of our citizens.
In order to achieve its highest goals, education must be more than just a training in facts and figures, or even in basic skills, as important as they are. It must also include instruction in the deepest ethical values of our civilization.
"We cannot, therefore, overestimate the importance of education that fosters ethical and moral values in keeping with what our Founders called the "laws of Nature and of Nature's God." Moral education is the means by which we preserve the very foundation of this Nation's great yet precious experiment in self-government... Recognizing that "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," members of the worldwide Lubavitch movement, under the leadership of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, have worked to promote greater knowledge of Divine law, including the Biblical injunction to assist those who are needy. Like the Psalmist who wrote, "Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," the individual who possesses such knowledge is well-equipped for a safe and fruitful passage on his or her life's journey.
American children must have all the tools they need to make the most of their Godgiven potential... Education also concerns the building of character. Character is an anchor of our society, and we should work hard to cultivate it among our young people.
On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we renew our commitment to providing quality education and to teaching our children the values that prepare them for lives as good neighbors and citizens.
Our youngest children need a strong early foundation. Standards must be raised, curricula must be enhanced, and teachers must be supported. Families, communities, and educators must collaborate to ensure that students are working hard and receiving the best instruction possible.
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