Rabbi Greenberg spreading message of Education and Sharing Day

PALMER — Education and Sharing Day is April 19.

This annual tradition is celebrated across the nation. It was established by the United States Congress to emphasize learning and charitable acts in honor of The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson who’s considered one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century. This year marks Schneerson's 122 birthday.

Mat-Su Jewish Center Director Rabbi Mendy Greenberg has been speaking at various places such as the Wasilla City Council, Palmer City Council, and Mat-Su Borough Assembly to raise awareness about the meaning and significance of Education and Sharing Day. He even had the opportunity to open the Alaska State House and Senate with a prayer and speak about the importance of pursuing wisdom and understanding while starting daily habits of charitable acts.

Greenberg passes out Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) charity boxes during these public speaking opportunities. The boxes are intended to help community members, especially families with children, establish routines that involve setting aside funds for charity each day.

“There's a higher goal, a higher purpose of being selfless,” Greenberg said. “The very fact that we give something on a daily basis, even if it's something small, is very special. It exercises our kindness muscles.”

Greenberg stressed the importance of parents having meaningful conversations with their children to instill positive character traits and moral values and further driving the message home by demonstrating this through actions. He said this will have a powerful ripple effect that makes the world a better place one good deed at a time.

“We should be more mindful of these values. The more we work to bring positivity into the world, the less negative energy and less badness there will be in the world," Greenberg said. "The bottom line is: the most important thing is that every person should have a strong moral compass.”

Greenberg noted that several community members have kept their ARC boxes from past years and shared inspirational stories with him.

“I think the message is more and more resonating," Greenberg said. “It's really having a beautiful impact on Alaska as a whole.”

Greenberg encourages everyone to lead lives that continually pursue and share knowledge, compassion, and charitable acts.

“There's always more good to do in the world," Greenberg said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com