Following the Jewish nation's crossing of the Jordan into the land of Canaan (see entry for "Nissan 10"), and in preparation for the bringing of the Passover Offering, all the men were circumcised under the guidance of Joshua.

Due to the weather conditions in the desert which were not conducive for the healing of wounds, throughout the forty year desert sojourn only the Tribe of Levi circumcised their sons.

Links:
Brit Milah; Circumcision
Joshua ch. 5

11 Nissan marks the passing of Nachmanides ("Ramban", Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, 1194-1270) -- Torah scholar, Kabbalist, philosopher, physician and Jewish leader -- in 1270.

Rabbi Isaiah Halevi Horowitz was a noted kabbalist, famous as the "Sheloh Hakodosh" (the saintly Sheloh) the acronym of his magnum opus, Shnei Luchot Habrit.

He held Rabbinical positions in various communities in Europe, before emigrating to Israel. He passed away in Tiberius at the age of 70.

Link: Rabbi Isaiah Halevi Horowitz

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, was born on this date in 1902.

Links:
TheRebbe.org
A Timeline biography
54 Years, 54 Ideas
Contemporary Chassidic Stories of the Rebbe
More on the Rebbe

Education and Sharing Day was established by the United States Congress in honor of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson's (1902-1994), efforts in promulgating education and sharing, encouraging both Jews and non-Jews to focus on these areas.

During his lifetime, the Rebbe, of righteous memory, opened scores of schools and centers of education called "Chabad Houses," and oversaw the publication of educational materials.

The day was designated on April 18, 1978, by president Jimmy Carter, and has since been annually proclaimed by the President of the United States on the anniversary of the Rebbe's Jewish birthday, the 11th of Nissan.

Links:
Education is the Cornerstone of Humanity: On the Inauguration of "Education Day USA" - April 18, 1978
A talk of the Rebbe on Education Day, U.S.A. - April 4, 1982
President Carter's proclamation in honor of Education Day USA
President Reagan's proclamations' in honor of Education Day USA
President Obama's proclamation in honor of Education Day USA

In today's "Nasi" reading (see "Nasi of the Day" in Nissan 1), we read of the gift bought by the nasi of the tribe of Asher, Pagiel ben Achran, for the inauguration of the Mishkan.

Text of today's Nasi in Hebrew and English.