It is with much regret we inform you of the Petirah of longtime Lakewood Askan Reb Yisroel Schenkolewski Z”L who was Niftar today following a lengthy illness.
Reb Yisroel Z”L, fondly known as ‘Schenky’, was one of the first law enforcement chaplains in the area, and was the one who broke through the virtual autopsy process to ensure Kavod Hameis for thousands.
He was also the founder of the Bais Kaila school.
He was 80 years old.
“He got me started in politics and was a dear dear friend,” said Senator Bob Singer. “It’s a great loss for the entire community.”
“He was not only a dear friend of mine but a friend of the entire department,” said Lakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer. “He will be missed by all who knew him.”
“Rabbi Schenkolewski was an outstanding example of what a community leader should look like,” said Askan and Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein. “He handled himself with such integrity and poise, and was so well respected by so many. He shared his infinite knowledge and wisdom with so many of us. He will be sorely missed.”
Statement from Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles: It is impossible to put into words the immense impact Rabbi Schenkolewski had on Lakewood. If it were not for his vision, persistence and dedication, Lakewood would be a very different place today.
On a personal note, Schenky was a friend. He was my teacher, advisor and confidant. In other words, he was my rebbe. Someone I could call upon at anytime when things were tough. I could count on him to tell me the truth, even when it might hurt. I will always treasure the memories of sitting with him in his office, at the Bais Kalia dinners and the last few years stopping by to see him during Purim.
I like to think that some of my love for Lakewood was an outgrowth of him sharing his love for our town with me. My condolences go out to his family, friends and the thousands upon thousands of people whose lives are better today due to his efforts.
In 2017, Reb Yisroel was honored for his 40 years of service to the Lakewood community.
At the time, TLS wrote the following:
Reb Schenkolewski, the founder of the Bais Kaila High School, has been actively involved with all aspects of the Lakewood community for many years, ranging from Lakewood’s schools, to emergency services, the Lakewood Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and much more.
But it didn’t come easy.
Reb Yisroel, for many years, fought hard – whether in hospitals, in court, in police departments, government offices and more, for the Tzibbur at large. And as a result of his hard work, and tremendous Siyata D’Shmaya, he formed relationships throughout the State.
One of his many achievements, was paving the way to Virtual Autopsies in the County, a project which took years of hard work, to ensure proper Kavod Ha’meis when tragedy strikes R”L.
Also as a result of his work Reb Schenkolewski’s hard work, he became well connected throughout the political arena, working with local, County and State elected officials on many matters on behalf of the Lakewood community.
There’s no question, that without Reb Yisroel’s hard work, dedication and commitment for the past 40 years, Lakewood would not be where it is today, and many of the organizations would not have existed. Today, when a phone call is made to any department throughout the State, it’s thanks to Reb Schenkolewski that the call is taken with respect, and the matter taken seriously.
The Levaya is scheduled to take place at 4:30 PM at Beis Yitzchok, 7th and Private Way (BMG). Kevurah on Har Hamenuchos.
Call-in for the Levaya: 857-347-0100, option 125005.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Statement from Hatzolah:
BDE such sad news.
what a big loss for Lakewood He was a Talmid Chacham and Tzadik Yesod Olam who did thousands of Chasadim that nobody will ever know about!
A ROLE MODEL FOR EVERY ASKAN
Very sad news. He certainly was a great man and a friend to all.
BDE. A rare leader in Klal Yisrael who was selfless in his efforts the the entire community. יהז״ב
BDE. A tremendous Ba’al Chesed and tireless askan for the Lakewood tzibbur. ALWAYS available 24/7.
(Just wondering, if he was only 80 then he was 22 when Bais Kaila was founded in 1976…. I find that hard to believe.)
BDE.
I believe he was 32.
32!!
@Moshe your math is off.
From 1976 until now is 48, which would make him 42 years old
He was 32 in 1976
Amazing person! Bde
hmm… your math is wrong, that would have been 32 …
Moshe, your math is incorrect.
In 1976 Rabbi Schenkolewski was 32.
May he Rest In Peace! He was always a gentleman and would listen to anything you had to do for safety reasons. He also taught me how to deal with the uniqueness of Lakewood too.
Math would be. Based on your numbers he was 32. BTW with his Kochos & ambition, nothing should surprise you
Math isn’t your strong point if he was 80 then in 1976 which is 48 yrs ago he was 32 yrs old not 22
Moshe, 32 not 22.
32, not 22
32 not 22
Do your math in 1976 he was 32
when he was in kollel he had a car or two parked in the lot which could be rented for a few dollars to bochurim who needed to rent one for obvious reasons.
the point is that back then when everything was new and being developed, he was the one doing the thinking and the developing that today we take for granted.
Did he ever work in computer programming?