Assembly Resolution No. 306

BY: M. of A. Cunningham

HONORING Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the
Lubavitcher Rebbe, posthumously upon the occasion of
the co-naming of Presidents Street in Brooklyn, New
York, in recognition of his remarkable life

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was a
towering figure in 20th-century Jewish life and one of the most
influential Jewish leaders in modern history; and

WHEREAS, Born in 1902, Menachem M. Schneerson became the seventh
Rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, succeeding his father-in-law,
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, in 1950; under his leadership,
Chabad-Lubavitch transformed from a relatively small Hasidic group into
a global movement with institutions and followers across the world; and

WHEREAS, The Rebbe's vision was characterized by a deep commitment
to Jewish education, outreach, and the spiritual renewal of Jewish
communities worldwide; he advocated for "Ahavat Yisrael" (love of all
Jews), and tirelessly worked to strengthen Jewish identity and
observance, focusing on the importance of every individual's role in the
greater Jewish mission; and

WHEREAS, Through his teachings, the Rebbe emphasized the relevance
of Torah to contemporary life, blending traditional Jewish law with a
profound sense of modernity; his approach to leadership was unique in
that it blended deep scholarship with practical action, inspiring
thousands of followers to spread Jewish awareness and practice; and

WHEREAS, The Rebbe's leadership was not confined to his immediate
followers; his wisdom, derived from the teachings of Chabad philosophy
and his own insights, resonated with people across diverse Jewish
denominations and even non-Jews; he often advocated for interfaith
dialogue and emphasized the importance of moral values in a troubled
world; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Schneerson's death in 1994 left a profound void in
the Jewish world, but his legacy lives on; his teachings continue to
guide the Chabad movement and countless individuals, and his emphasis on
unity, education, and action remains as relevant as ever; and

WHEREAS, The Lubavitcher Rebbe's life and work were not just about
religious observance but about inspiring a movement toward greater
spiritual awareness, social responsibility, and unity within the Jewish
people; and

WHEREAS, The unveiling of the "Lubavitcher Rebbe Way" sign on April
6, 2025 in Brooklyn is a momentous occasion that honors the lasting
legacy of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe; and

WHEREAS, The Rebbe's life was a beacon of kindness, love, and
dedication to others, values that continue to inspire people worldwide;
by co-naming President Street, the street where the Rebbe lived with his
wife, the city is not only recognizing his immense influence but also
promoting a core message of his leadership: the power of routine acts of
kindness; and

WHEREAS, The theme of the event-Routine Acts of Kindness-is a
perfect reflection of the Rebbe's teachings; throughout his life, the
Rebbe emphasized that every small, everyday act of goodness and care has
the potential to elevate the world and bring us closer to a more
compassionate society; whether it was through offering a smile to a
stranger, helping a neighbor, or simply showing respect and love for all
people, the Rebbe demonstrated that even the smallest gestures could
have a profound impact; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Rebbe's approach was rooted in the belief
that kindness should be part of our daily lives, not just reserved for
special occasions; his message encouraged everyone, regardless of their
background or circumstances, to engage in acts of kindness-whether
through charity, offering a kind word, or simply being considerate of
others' needs; it was these routine acts, he believed, that would slowly
but surely bring about a transformation in the world; and

WHEREAS, As the "Lubavitcher Rebbe Way" sign is unveiled, it serves
as a reminder that each person has the power to make the world a better
place; and

WHEREAS, Just as the Rebbe made kindness a cornerstone of his life,
we can all take inspiration from his example and incorporate small,
meaningful acts of goodness into our own routines; by doing so, we not
only honor the Rebbe's memory but also contribute to the ongoing effort
to build a more compassionate, loving world; and

WHEREAS, This event will not just celebrate a name change but will
inspire the Brooklyn community and beyond to adopt the Rebbe's message
of kindness, ensuring that his influence continues to shine brightly in
our daily lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, posthumously
upon the occasion of the renaming of Presidents Street in Brooklyn, New
York, in recognition of his remarkable life; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the
Lubavitcher Rebbe.