Rabbi Shmuel Yosef Litman Plotkin, one of the elder Chassidim of our generation, a devoted Chossid and Shliach who was also a neighbor of the Rebbe, passed away on Shabbos morning, 19 Tishrei, 5786.
He was 97.
A lifelong scholar and teacher, Rabbi Plotkin embodied humility, devotion, and a deep passion for spreading Torah and Chassidus. In his 60s, together with his wife Devorah Plotkin תבלח״ט were among the first Chabad Shluchim to Ukraine, where they established Chabad Houses in Berditchev, Zhitomir and surrounding communities steeped in Jewish history and Chassidic heritage.
For decades, he served as the Rov of Getzel Shul in Crown Heights—a Shul that began in his home, originally named Beis Avraham Eliyahu—where his quiet strength and unwavering consistency left a deep and lasting impression on all who knew him. Even in his later years he maintained his custom of reciting a maamar (Chassidic discourse) by heart every Shabbos. Many will recognize him as the Chossid that would sit and Daven for many hours with heartfelt Niggunim.
Rabbi Plotkin worked tirelessly to publish the writings of his father, HaGaon HaRav Avrohom Eliyahu Plotkin, one of the few who received semicha from the Rogatchover Gaon. He later founded a Semicha and Shlichus Yeshiva in Manhattan, dedicated to preparing bochurim for real-life shlichus.
He also brought back the original Rabbi Weinberg Motzei Shabbos Tanya Shiur with Rabbi Simon Jacobson.
Among his deeply held missions was fulfilling the Rebbe’s request to bring Mrs. Chana Gurary (the Rebbe Rayatz’s eldest daughter and wife of the Rashag) to rest at the Ohel “by Kivrei Avos” as the Rebbe expressed.
Known simply as a true Chossid—devoted, kind, and steadfast—Rabbi Plotkin was a living bridge between generations of Lubavitch. His life told the story of one who carried the warmth and authenticity of the old world while helping shape the new.
Rabbi Plotkin is predeceased by his sister Mrs. Luba Pinson of Crown Heights.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Devorah Plotkin (Crown Heights), and their children: Rabbi Avrohom Eliyahu Plotkin (Markham, Toronto), Mrs. Mattie Pil (San Francisco), Mrs. Chanie Vogel/Adler (Rochester, NY), Mrs. Fradie Chein (Crown Heights) R’ Schneur Plotkin (Crown Heights), Mrs. Shterna Raskin (Brooklyn Heights), and R’ Levi Plotkin (Florida).
As well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are following in his footsteps.
He will be laid to rest in Tzfas, Israel on Monday morning 8AM, beside his father, HaGaon HaRav Avrohom Eliyahu Plotkin.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
A Gaon in his own right, a giant of a man and a true Chossid. He will be sorely missed by his family and the community. BDE
He was the real deal !
My mechutan was a brilliant, kind, humble and personable man who was enormously honored and loved by his family and very respected by anyone who knew him. I will miss him greatly. We have suffered a huge personal loss.
Very Sorry to hear
Condolences to the wonderful Family
Had such a big positive effect and impact on our family. May Hashem give the family strength and comfort. Moshiach NOW!
BdE. I had the merit to interview him and he was a strong Talmid chocham and Chasidishe yid…
More to come iyH
I interviewed him for an article i wrote in Kfar chabad magazine in the early 90’s. A Great person. His father was a tremendous Talmud chacham. He had an autographed photo of the Frierdiker Rebbe that I published on the cover of Kfar chabad magazine in honor of yud bais tammuz 1992. BDE.
Shaul Shimon Deutsch
Interesting that his Levayah was the same night as his Ushpizen name namesake. The Rebbe Maharash and Yosef Hatzaddik