On April 2, we celebrate Education and Sharing Day to honour the work and teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Established in 1978, it pays tribute to his endless commitment for better education for the children of North America.

The seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, Rabbi Schneerson was born in Ukraine in 1902 and moved to New York to escape the Holocaust.

If the Holocaust showed the world the evil of which human beings are capable, the Rebbe reminds us of what good people we can be.

He was devoted to teaching the infinite value of every human life and the practice of loving your neighbour. The Rebbe inspired millions, not only with his wise words, but with his actions.

He created a global network of Chabad emissaries in over 100 countries, offering social service programs and humanitarian aid all around the world.

A tireless advocate for youth, he promoted education as a cornerstone of humanity, and in an era when a woman’s education was not valued the same as a man’s, the Rebbe staunchly created more educational opportunities for girls. He was even known to write, “There must be a girl!” on educational materials that only depicted boys.

April 2 will mark the Rebbe’s 121st birthday. In Hebrew, we say, “Ad meah v’esrim,” which means “until 120.”

The Rebbe may not have reached 120, but his legacy certainly lives on.