New York State Honors the Rebbe with 123 Days of Education

Amid the hurried April pace of budget negotiations and the daily motion of government, the Capitol of New York State paused to honor the 123rd Birthday of the Rebbe, as the New York State Governor, Senate, and Assembly, officially proclaimed 123 Days of Education.

Amid the hurried April pace of budget negotiations and the daily motion of government, the Capitol of New York State paused for the Rebbe.

Legislators from across the political spectrum gathered not for a vote, but for a vision—honoring the 123rd Birthday of the Rebbe.

New York State Governor, Senate, and Assembly, officially proclaimed 123 Days of Education, highlighting the Rebbe’s enduring message that a moral and ethical education is the cornerstone of society. Education is based on faith in the Creator. There is ‘an eye that sees and an ear that hears’.

For decades, Rabbi Shmuel Butman, of blessed memory, who was appointed by the Rebbe to be the Director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, led this annual tradition in Albany, offering an opening Prayer in honor of the Rebbe.

This year, his son, Rabbi Velvl Butman, Executive Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Westchester County, continued his father’s tradition.

In the majestic chambers of the State Assembly, Rabbi Velvl Butman delivered a Prayer inspired by the Rebbe’s call for justice, unity, and morality— based on the universal values found in the 7 Noahide Laws.

In his Prayer, Rabbi Velvl Butman cited the message of the Rebbe regarding the 7 Noahide laws. These 7 laws are the foundation for a peaceful and civilized society. Such an education is important for all children, regardless of race, color or creed.

True ensuring happiness comes from within. When you maximize your G-d given potential and you utilize your time to help make the world a Royal Garden, a warmly lit up home for our Father In Heaven.

Rabbi Shmuel Butman would recall with reverence that before he opened the United States Senate in Washington in the year 1991, the Rebbe told him “Take a Pushka (charity box) with you and let everyone see what you are doing and let them know on what money should be spent for.”

In accordance with the Rebbe’s directive, Rabbi Velvl Butman brought a Pushka with him to Albany. During his Prayer he put a dollar bill in the Pushka. Many legislators came to the podium to put a dollar in the charity box.

Rabbi Shmuel Butman would ask the legislators to join in putting a Dollar into the Pushka and say “This is not a fund-raising campaign, for if it were we would ask you for much more than one Dollar, this is part of the Rebbe’s campaign to do more goodness and kindness”.

The day’s events were hosted by Assemblyman David Weprin, chairman of the celebration committee, and co-hosted by State Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie, who sponsored the Senate resolution and Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham.

“The Rebbe’s leadership continues to inspire the Jewish community of Crown Heights, all of New York and people around the world. As the Rebbe is revered and respected by Jews and non-Jews alike,” said Senator Myrie.

“The Rebbe’s teachings build bridges and partnerships across communities, strengthen the moral fabric for the benefit of all people and inspire good deeds, philanthropy and scholarly pursuits which reverberate to this day.”

Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham who co-hosted the reception spoke of the Rebbe’s contribution to humanity, especially with a focus on education. Every child deserves a proper education, with love, faith, dedication and to help every child build good character for a meaningful and productive life.

Including Assemblymen Simcha Eichenstein, Kalman Yeger, Aron Wieder, Ari Brown, Senator Simcha Felder and many more, representing districts from across New York State.

Many Assemblymen and Senators spoke at the reception honoring the Rebbe. Legislators from across the state—including Assemblymen Simcha Eichenstein, Kalman Yeger, Aron Wieder, Ari Brown, and Senator Simcha Felder—spoke of the Rebbe’s global influence and the continued growth of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, with over 6,000 Shluchim operating in more than 100 countries.

Rabbi Yisroel Rubin, the Rebbe’s Shliach to the Capital Region, reflected on the Rebbe’s timeless teachings—drawing inspiration from Passover, Matzah, and freedom. Rabbi Rubin recalled his friendship with Rabbi Shmuel Butman and the responsibility of carrying forward the Rebbe’s message.

The reception included an elegant Kosher lunch arranged by Rabbi and Mrs. Mendel Rubin, featuring traditional Jewish foods, bagles and lox, Kosher salads and delicacies.

In keeping with the Rebbe’s directive that every Jew should have Shmurah Matzah for Passover, Rabbi Velvl Butman distributed Matzah to the legislators and staff on behalf of the Lubavitch Youth Organization.

While the Capitol remained busy with its pressing duties and legislation, something extraordinary lingered in the air. The Rebbe’s presence, teachings and ideals are palpable and alive. The Rebbe’s unwavering faith, inspiration and light— continues to be felt in the very heart of New York government.

More than just a ceremony, the Assembly Prayer, Proclamations and words of honor, are a testament to the Rebbe’s impact and call to all of humanity to prepare for Redemption and Moshiach.

As the Rebbe often quotes from Rambam, that a single act of goodness and kindness can change the world. A child with a proper education is a future redeemed.

Moshiach is on his way—and we each have the opportunity to hasten the revelation of Moshiach and bring him closer with our every deed of goodness and kindness. This is the purpose of your existance.