In a remarkable pause amidst the hurried April pace of budget negotiations, the Capitol of New York State recently honored the 123rd Birthday of the Rebbe.
The New York State Governor, Senate, and Assembly officially proclaimed 123 Days of Education, aligning with the Rebbe’s enduring message that a moral and ethical education is the cornerstone of society.
This celebration brought together legislators from across the political spectrum not for a vote, but to embrace a shared vision—one that emphasizes the importance of education rooted in faith in the Creator.
As reminded by the Rebbe, education serves as a fundamental framework for nurturing a sense of responsibility, inspiring morality and ethics: “There is an eye that sees and an ear that hears.”
For decades, Rabbi Shmuel Butman, of blessed memory, led this annual tradition in Albany, having been appointed by the Rebbe as the Director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization.
Continuing this tradition, his son, Rabbi Velvl Butman, the Executive Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Westchester County, offered an impassioned Prayer inspired by the Rebbe’s calls for justice, unity, and morality.
In his moving Prayer delivered in the majestic chambers of the State Assembly, Rabbi Velvl Butman highlighted the relevance of the 7 Noahide Laws.
These laws form the foundation for a peaceful and civilized society, asserting that such education is paramount for all children, irrespective of race, color, or creed.
Rabbi Butman conveyed a profound message that true happiness originates from within and that fulfilling one’s G-d given potential contributes to making the world a place of beauty and light—akin to a Royal Garden.
Recalling a significant instance from 1991, Rabbi Shmuel Butman shared how the Rebbe had advised him to take along a Pushka (charity box) to the United States Senate.
“Take a Pushka with you and let everyone see what you are doing and let them know on what money should be spent for,” the Rebbe had instructed him.
In keeping with his father’s legacy, Rabbi Velvl Butman brought a Pushka with him to Albany.
During his Prayer, he placed a dollar bill into the charity box, prompting many legislators to follow suit and contribute a dollar as well.
Rabbi Shmuel Butman traditionally encouraged legislators to participate in this act of charity, clarifying that it is not a fund-raising campaign but an initiative driven by the Rebbe’s mission to promote goodness and kindness.
The day’s celebratory events were led by Assemblyman David Weprin, who served as the chairman of the celebration committee, alongside State Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie, who sponsored the Senate resolution, and Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham.
Senator Myrie commented, “The Rebbe’s leadership continues to inspire not only the Jewish community of Crown Heights but all of New York and even people around the world.
The Rebbe is revered and respected by both Jews and non-Jews alike.”
He further noted that the Rebbe’s teachings foster partnerships across communities and strengthen the moral fabrics for the benefit of all, encouraging good deeds and philanthropy that resonates to this day.
Assemblyman Cunningham voiced thoughts on the Rebbe’s profound contributions, especially highlighting the crucial role of education.
“Every child deserves a proper education—with love, faith, and commitment—to help them build character and lead meaningful, productive lives,” he expressed.
The reception was well attended by numerous Assemblymen and Senators who echoed sentiments about the Rebbe’s global influence and the growth of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, now with over 6,000 Shluchim in more than 100 countries.
Rabbi Yisroel Rubin, the Rebbe’s Shliach to the Capital Region, reflected on the timeless teachings of the Rebbe through the lens of Passover, Matzah, and freedom.
He fondly remembered his friendship with Rabbi Shmuel Butman and emphasized the responsibility to carry forward the Rebbe’s powerful message.
The event featured an elegant Kosher lunch, arranged by Rabbi and Mrs. Mendel Rubin, which included traditional Jewish foods, bagels and lox, along with Kosher salads and other delicacies.
Adhering to the Rebbe’s directive for every Jew to have Shmurah Matzah for Passover, Rabbi Velvl Butman distributed Matzah to legislators and staff on behalf of the Lubavitch Youth Organization.
Despite the Capitol’s constant busyness, the air was thick with a sense of extraordinary purpose and alignment with the Rebbe’s ideals.
The teachings, presence, and legacy of the Rebbe were felt strongly in the heart of New York government, symbolizing a vision that transcends time.
This day’s proclamations and prayers serve as a testament to the Rebbe’s lasting impact and underline the universal call to humanity to prepare for Redemption and Moshiach.
The Rebbe often quoted Rambam, stating that a single act of goodness and kindness can change the world.
A child with the right education embodies the promise of a future redemption.
Moshiach is on his way—and every individual has the opportunity to hasten Moshiach’s revelation through acts of goodness and kindness.
This, the Rebbe taught, is the very essence of our existence.
image source from：https://anash.org/new-york-state-honors-the-rebbe-with-123-days-of-education/
