By COLlive reporter
R’ Benda Shlomo Lakein, owner of a publishing house who was involved in Chabad activities nationwide, passed away on Tuesday, 20 Shevat 5774.
He was 67 and suffered from a terrible illness.
Known for his devotion and love to the Rebbe, he is the one who established seder chassidus every morning at the Crown Heights Kollel which operated under the Rebbe’s secretariat.
For over 30 years, his Outreach Publishing Corp. has published the world-famous “Jewish Art Calendar,” a beautiful, full-color calendar with both secular and Jewish dates, holidays and information.
The calendar would be personalized by scores of Chabad Centers and educational institutions across North America, covering the costs by sponsorships and business advertising.
Lakein would publish Jewish holiday guides and brochures in English that would also be personalized and distributed in the tens of thousands by Shluchim, chassidim and bochurim on Mivtzoim.
He said they were “engineered to get more people to do more Mitzvahs” and indeed, many stories have surfaced over the years of Jewish people telling how these guides were the only Jewish literature they had available.
In Crown Heights, his home on Montgomery Street was always open for friends and visitors. He also helped found the boys school Yeshiva Darchai Menachem, which focuses on individualized education and is directed by his son-in-law, Rabbi Eyal Bension.
He is survived by his children Mrs. Dvorah Leah Brackman – Westminster, CO; Mrs. Golda Bension, R’ Mendel Lakein, R’ Dovid Lakein, R’ Reuven Lakein, R’ Yossi Lakein, Chani Lakein, Shneur Lakein, Sholom Lakein and Mushky Lakein all of Crown Heights; and grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother Mr. Richard Lakein of Potomac, Maryland.
His wife, Mrs. Miriam Lakein, passed away in 1993.
The levaya pass by Darchei Menachem school in Crown Heights at 1:40 PM and will pass by 770 Eastern Parkway at 2:00 PM for burial at Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens.
Baruch dayan haemes.
Shlomo Z”L was a חסיד of a caliber so esteem that knowing him was a great privilege. He was a true חסיד in every sense of the term, heart, devotion, fear and love of the Above, absolute attachment to the Rebbe, a giver and forgiver, learned and teacher all wrapped in one. I know of very few who have been tested as he was, yet he carried on without a complaint, without asking for sympathy, never displaying any bitterness, but forever showed and bestowed goodwill. He brings מסירת נפש in our time to a whole knew meaning. To his family… Read more »
R’ Lakein will forever remain in my heart. And dear Lakein family, my heart and being is united with u although I’m unable to be with u right now. Mamakom yenachem eschem
I can still picture Mrs. Lakein OBM in Mrs. H Laine’s bungalow colony some 30 odd years ago full of chayus with a baby on her hip, passionately discussing inyanim pertinent to chasidishe mothers who were involved in mivtsoim and the Rebeb’s latest horaas. In my memory she is as vibrant as ever.
Like ZAG and others I have very fond memories of Reb Shlomo from Yeshiva days in Montreal. In fact, we were chavrusahs in Chassidus for a while and I always admired that in the most difficult hemsheichim we studied he would always insist on understanding it absolutely thoroughly before turning to the next page. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and as I don’t have an email address am using this forum to convey my deepest sympathies and condolences. May Hashem give you all strength, courage, and His abundant blessings with many simchas in future. Rabbi Yossy… Read more »
bde
he was larger than life
t.n.t.b.h
Boruch Dayan Emes. Sending love and teffilos to the Lakein Family
I knew Shlomo from safsalei hayeshiva in Montreal over 40 years ago. A true chassid, yiras somayim, dedicated to the Rebbe, and worked daily to improve and grow in avoidas hakodesh.
I did not know Mr Lakein, but I did know Miriam, a”h, he must have been a great man, Miriam would not have settled for less!!! To all the Lakein children, may you never know of any more tzar!
Hamokom Yenachem Eschem Bsoch Shaar Avelei Tzion VYerushalayim
Had so much respect for him! Always daven’d near him in the shteeble by the bimah. He said every word.. i improved on my davening alot because of his influence. BDE
I am nobody that the family knows, I didn’t even know Rabbi Lakien’s name until I saw this shocking article. But always when I saw him in the street he was walking tall with a smile. When he saw me walking down Kingston, he would say ‘hold your head up and smile!’. Last time I saw him was a few months ago in a store where he insisted on my giving my name and mother’s name and proceeded to give me an amazing and fully comprehensive bracha, not leaving anything out. Even in my discomfort at receiving a bracha in… Read more »
JUst wanrt you to know that all of us are here for you and with you and thinking of you and together we are working To bring Moshiach right now!!
I am so sorry for your loss. May Hashem grant you strength and peace in this process. Your father was an amazing man and his memory should be a blessing. All of his children are amazing and it only shows what a wonderful example he was. He has much to be proud of. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion. Lots of love xoxox
I am sad to hear about your lost. May Hashem comfort you among all mourners of Tzion. Zlata Baila.
thank u r Lakein for all that u did and starting DM
Devorah Leah,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. It feels like it was just yesterday, when we heard the news of your mother’s passing. We were so young and yet you graciously took care of your siblings and your sweet father. I remember him frequently looking to you with much admiration for your devotion to him and your family. May you be blessed to be comforted along with your beautiful family at this difficult time. I’m sure your parents are smiling down from heaven with pride.
Many hugs to you dear old friend,
Chava Shallman-Tombosky
Your mother ,Miriam,during her teen years ran a summer camp in Denver,Colo. for young Jewish children.She drove the camp bus for the many camp activities.She made sure the camp schedule followed the Rebbes instructions. When our son Rabbi Avrohom Richter of Chabad of Howard Beach was scheduled to have his aufruf at 770 Rabbi Lakien openend his home to our family to give us Hachnosas Orchim .Your father communicated with the Rebbe many times on our behalf so that we should be able to make the correct and beneficial decisions.Tehei Nafshosam Tsruros Bitsror Hachaiyim.Rabbi and Mrs. yisroel Richter from Chicago.
hashem condol you among all mourners of tzion,
Chesed was before profits For Shloimeh. One year he hears in my voice that I was thinking to minimize my Calendar order because I couldn’t sell enough ads to cover the cost. How much did I bring in? he asks. It was barely half I needed. That’s all he took. Not a penny more.
Adding everyone’s little personal stories together add up to one huge guy.
When nobody was doing anything about kids falling through the cracks, Rabbi Lakein saw the need for a school like Darchei Menachem. The Torah learning of many talmidim is in his merit. May the family be comforted and feel blessed for having him as their patriarch.
wow !!!!!!!
” what yid what yid , if i lived 1000 years
i would never amount to half of what he accomplished , ”
may be pray for moshiach now
may he not forget us poor lost souls in goluse !!
i remember when i first met him in Montreal 09/1969
what a gr8 talmid . so sincere to hashem and to his fellow yid . wow what loses to chabad and to klall yisroale .
“HASHEM HELP THE ONES HE LEFT BEHIND “
My impression of Reb Shlomo —
Reb Shlomo a living example of Davening.
He is the quintessential “v”Ani Tefillah”
Every word with fervor. Every day with Ahavah. Every moment accomplishing.
ish Emes – A Man of Truth. No antics no acting no impressing.
I see you Davening standing in Empire Shtieble at the Bima (Torah readers table)
Day in day out. Reb Shlomo continues — ever increasing
Amidst personal loss and great emotional deprivation – Reb Shlomo is “vAni Tefilla”
Lakein family and dear children – Hamokom Yenachem Eschem
Bsoch Shaar Avelei Tzion VYerushalayim
Yehoshua – CT
Haven’t been in contact with you for a while now…Can’t seem to find your email. I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through…
Montreal
I know some of the boys. real Chayalim! I know the family will somehow find the strength to get through this.
It’s amazing how they each have the beautiful heart and temimusdikait of their beloved father. R Lakein is proof that there’s no such thing as “i can’t”; he worked hard and succeeded tremendously. Moshiach now
You and your siblings’ commitment to chesed, middos, and yiddishkheit bring nachas to the Ribono shel Olam, the Rebbe, and to your father, his memory should be a blessing for all of us. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
rabbi lakein z’l will forever be missed for his abundant open ended hachnosas orchim bli gvul unlimited giving like avrohom ovinu but unlike a”a -he had to man the fort & hold down the tent for the past 2+ decades without his rebbetzin. he lived every day to it’s fullest, a true modern day boh bayomim & being in his 68th year (bgmatria Chayim) he truly embodied & personified a Living shliyach thru & thru ,bakoil mikoil koil, as the nyc equivelant of abrahams tent in kan tzivoh, to me personally i would be lying if i said i did… Read more »
With pain we received this tragical news.His wife Mrs Laikenz’l was a wonderfull woman.Now Mr.Lakien left this world. such a sweet person devotade father and Husband.They had a big hanassat orchim and we alwaysinvited in their home.They took us to the chupah since my parents and my husband parents was divorced.No words just to say that Crown Heights had a BIG lost.That the children could be conforted by Hashem.Brazilian’s friends.
Mendel, you and your siblings are the ultimate proof of what an incredible man your father was. You are tenacious, warm, committed, and loving to your family and community. May you and your family be blessed with long life and good health for all. Our hearts are heavy with sadness for your loss.
May God watch over you, protect you, and give you comfort. May you all know of only happiness, health and success for many years to come.
Much Love,
MLG
I remember Rabbi Laiken in yeshivah in Montreal with his great smile and kiruv hadaas, he took special care of Tuvia Lerner (whom the Rebbe gave a special kiruv to) in his final weeks with care and love and as a new engaged chosson he taught me Tarhas Hamishpocho in the Rebbe’s colel behind 770 with true yiras shomayim may he soon return with the Rebbe and all the chassidim in the Rebbes army that were taken away from us –
Moshiach Now!
YY Charytan
Winnipeg
a pioneer in the tshuva movement. he will be missed by all who knew him. the children should be comforted…….
Thank you for your kindness in making jewish things in English, in phonetics, for explaining how to do it. Such kindness, such love, to show others how to do it.
Thank you
“May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.” At first glance, the connection between the mourner to whom this blessing is directed and the mourners of Jerusalem’s destruction appears to be quite puzzling. In truth, however, they are connected. For the main consolation embodied by this phrase is in its inner content, namely: The grief over Zion and Jerusalem is common to all the sons and daughters of our people, Israel, wherever they may be (although it is more palpable to those who dwell in Jerusalem and actually see the Western Wall and the ruins of… Read more »
I remember Rabbi Laiken walking through the street holding a sefer and saying it while he was walking.
Moshiach Now!!
I remember how he pulled together to become father and mother after his wife Miriam z’l passed away. He raised the kids himself! None of the kids were married yet and a small baby in the house. I remember how he got his license so he can drive their big van as Miriam always drove them around.
Devorah Leah and Goldie really were his two right hands keeping the family together…..
Terrible news…..
Why is there so much suffering to the best families?????
His fathers name
In addition to the great calendars he produced he was the Resident expert in ask when the allowed time to start Maariv.
Hamokom Yenachem Eschem Btoch Shaarai Tzion Vavailai Yerusholaim.
Nachman S.
So sad, Hashem I don’t understand why Your will is to have the best up there with You their light down here is neded.
we cannot comprehend why Hashem had to test you all so much. may Hashem give you strength, hear your cries and give you all what you deserve most, your parents back. with warmest wishes from across the Atlantic, Rivkie (Metal) & Yossi Ives and family
Thinking of you and crying for you!
So sorry to hear of your loss…Such a kind man…He always welcomed u w/ a warm * twinkle * in his eyes…and passionately expressed his immense love for Eretz Yisroel whenever he had the opportunity to. Moshiach YESTERDAY! המקום המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
My thoughts are w/ you during this hard time.
– Devorah Lipsh (Schoenberg) Israel
Hamakom yinachem eschem b’soch she’ar avaylay tzion
viyrushalayim. Only simchas from now on.
Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe Feller
he will surely be up there fighting for th e Jewish community, and fighting for the final redemption.
Moshiach Now
Love you! Stay strong. If anyone is bringing moshiach it’ll be you!! xoxox
a special special man – bd’e
so sorry to hear! thought and prayers with the entire family!
had the pleasure of meeting mushky and sholom in Israel. Both truly amazing people with such chayas and positive light, may they continue to give their parents and Hashem nachas!!!
Goldie i’m so sorry for your terrible loss, terrible news. Hamokom yenachem eschem, Moshiach now!
Boruch Dayan Emes. No words.
bde
You were always so strong after your mother passed away, you encouraged others to stay strong with your positive attitude! Plz stay strong and let hashem bring moshiach now!!
a friend who is thinking of you
Reb Shlomo Z”L was a special Jew. Always had a special feeling for him. He was real. No shtick. No chochmes. A real Chossid and a real mentsch. The Rebbe is there for him. Reb Shlomo should be a Gutter better for his family. G-d should give them strength, nachas and simches as only G-d Himself can. Dear Children. Be strong and be ptoud that you had such a father who will never forget you and pray for you all the time. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים ואך טוב וחסד, בטוב הנראה והנגלה, ימצא אתכם תמיד כל… Read more »
I am sharing your pain with this great loss.
You are so lucky to have been brought up by such a wonderful father.
These are such sad news, your father was a beautiful person and you are a beautiful family, keep up his legacy.
May Hashem comfort you and bring Moshiach NOW and may you be reunited with your parents and know only joy from now on.
A friend.
Shalom, shnear, and family we are so sorry to hear this. Hamakom yinachem eschem besoch shaar avlei tziyon veyerushalayim
. Stay strong shalom i am sure your father who was a very special chassid will be brought to a special place in shamayim with other chassidim snd the rebbe at their head.
The reason the world always smiles
To Shneur Lakein, Sholom Lakein & rest of the family.
Baruch Dayin Emet. Your pain is our pain, Our heart & prayers goes out to the family.
You guys stay strong may we all merit & be reunited with our loved ones with the coming of Moshiach. אנחנו איתכם אד הסוף.
I stayed in R’ Shlomo’s house many times. He was a true chosid without any shtick. He never cut corners, always learned nigleh and chssidus, Rambam etc. He was careful in halacha kechut hassaarah and was devoted to the Rebbe belev v’nefesh.
He was also a huge machnis orach, with people coming and going at all times. So many kids found a place to stay at his house when things were rough.
He will be missed by us here, I am sure the Rebbe is welcoming him.
The Rabbis home was always open for everyone a true example of the Rebbes wishes he will be misses WWMN
Mushky, I’m crying and thinking of you..
Your father was always seen with a smile or saying Tehilim in the streets. So special. Baruch Dayan Haemes.
From the early talmidim of Hadar HaTorah, went on to great hatzlocho in Tomche Temimim in Montreal. Shtark gehorevet, an emeser Tomim. Tehi Zichro Boruch.
Growing up going to Empire Stieble Rabbi Laiken was always an example of a True Yiras Shomayim that cared about every detail in Halacha, and was a true Dugma Chaya!
Zol Er Zayn A GUteh Behtter!
A great individual, always had an open home. A warm and caring family. May the family only know good things.
Shalomo I believe was from the first bal Tshuvah,he lead the way for Many to follow. A truly Devoted chasid.
A real Tzadick may moshiach now!
I ordered the calendar for my Chabad house every year from him. He was such a kind and caring person. Always a pleasure to work with. I WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH. HYEBSAT”V
WE DEMAND AND DESERVE MOSHIACH NOW! HASHEM PLEEEZE!
hashem should strengthen your family and give you the courage and energy to go on
you mother and father were two wonderful and dedicated people
hope they will bring moshiach speedily in our time
baruch dayan ha’emes
we will miss them always
As a shliach who has been ordering Reb Shlomo’s Calendars for 29 years, i will miss him dearly. He was a very special person, totally devoted to the Rebbe. The calendars and brochures were his shlichus. Regardless of how many competing calendars popped up, his was always a cut above. BDE.
BS”D
BDE
a man always with a greeting with a smile and “how are you…”
hard to make sense of the world anymore
Shlomo’s brainstorm of syndicating publications in the 80’s is what put many shluchim in “the big league” in their communities. With a minimal investment Chabad Houses looked “bigger than life” with full color calendars and brochures – at a time when color print was a rarity. His breakthrough model has since been replicated in everything from magazines to the web. And he did it all with a warm devotion to the Rebbe. BDE, Moshiach Now.
Rabbi lakein also started Darchei Menachem
Having worked for Chabad for many years, I had the pleasure of working with Rabbi Lakein when ordering his holiday brochures. So sorry to hear of his passing. 🙁
Both he and his unforgettable wife Miriam shared a simple purity and Yiras Shomayim rarely seen in our times. She once got up at a N’shei gathering with one request : that the women should take a moment to greet each other “Good Shabbos” when passing in the street … MOSHIACH NOW
I’m so sad. R’ Sholmo was a special person with a warm heart and happy spirit. A true Chosid of the Rebbe.
Dear lakeins,
I know each of you personally, and you are truly amazing!
Your father was always so proud of all of you!
We will all miss him!
I’m so sorry for your loss!
the millions of brochures and all the mitzvos that were done from the info in those brochures are already waiting for him and may shelomeh and all the good that he did be a zchus for his family and all the shluchim
as a shliach that used his guides i never stop hearing from people how wonderful they are
“rabbi if not for your guide i would not make pesach”
baruch dayan haemet
Rabbi Lakein was truly a special individual. He will be dearly missed! BDE.
Great tragedy…wonderful man. I’ve known him since the ’70s when I came to Crown Heights. Sad and painful.
המקום ינחם אותך בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים.
Baruch Dayan HaEmes. Leah, Goldie, Chani, Mushky and boys I (we) are so sorry for your loss. We still have wonderful memories of the shabbes your father spent with us and how full of simcha he was. It was an honor and privilege to know him. May you know no more sorrow, and may his holy neshama have a continuous aliyah in the zchus of all your mitzvahs. love, the Millers
Such sad news, moshiach now!
tragic. no words. may Hashem comfort the children and give them all they need.
I am so sorry, BDE! I will for ever see your precious father lighting up the streets with Tehillim.
May we see him and all our loved ones together in the flesh,Mammosh!
So terrible. Wishing all the children strength and may they only have sim has from here on
you wre always so kind and friendly, i knew you forever andI always enjyed talking to you, you were always so optimistic and so excited with your calendarrs etc. I will dearly miss you and I am sure that your children will stand strong and proud of having you as a father and will continue with your wonderfull midos. etc
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. your father will be sorely missed. your mother olah hashalom was just as amazing as your father, may we only share in simchas.
A truly amazing man and amazing family. I love you Mushky May Hashem send you and your family much comfort and strength and may we all dance together soon in the third Beis HaMikdash! BDE
MOSHIACH NOW
Wishing you strength in this trying time. We are crying with you
This is crazy!!! How can you leave these children with no parents!?!?!!!?!?G-d bless this family!! G-d have mercy!!
Shlomo OBM missed his wife so much now he will be with her. again.
Mushky our hearts are heavy and go out to you. May you be reunited with your loved ones immediately! Sending love and comfot
BD’E never met the dad but he must be a great man having raised his kids to open up a successful Yeshiva, serve the Jewish people and open up businesses which employee many members of our community.
Love u and I’m crying with u!
So painful to hear,
May Hashem comfort all of you and may you only know of simchas.
Mushky my heart goes out to you and I wish you only revealed good.
Mushky we are here for you. I have no words just tears in my eyes. Ur so strong and always have a nice word to say. May you soon, very soon be united with both parents.
Boruch dayn haemes
Ad mosai?!
AD MOSAI! AD MOSAI! AD MOSAI! Moshiach now!
He was such a nice, caring man
May Hashem comfort his beautiful family!!!
MUSHKY LAKEIN
Baruch Dayan Haemes! Moshiach now.
Dear Mrs. Brackman,
I am so sorry to hear about this horrible loss. May Hashem give you comfort and koach in this difficult time and may you have only simchos to share.
a former counselor
Their youngest child after Sholom is Mushky.
BDE may we only hear good news!!
Moshiach NOW!