Who Will Comfort the Schtroks

Zichron Shaya Schtroks.com

Shock and devastation spread throughout the Lubavitch community worldwide on Sunday, 30 Nissan 5772, April 22, 2012, upon hearing about the sudden and unexpected passing of Rabbi Yeshaye Schtroks of Morristown, NJ at the young age of 55.

Reb Yeshaye Schtroks OBM was a sterling individual. Testimonials abound that pay tribute to his impact as a teacher, a friend, a neighbor, and a face in the community.

R’ Yeshaye was regarded by all as a Chassidishe man who conducted his life with sincerity and integrity. For over 26 years, he taught hundreds of talmidim at Cheder Lubavitch Morristown to love Torah and Mitzvos while being a mentor and an inspiration to them. He was also known as a giftedbaal menagen with a beautiful voice, and a man who motivated those around him to aspire to be better people.

Nine years ago, his 7 children lost their beloved mother, Mrs. Devorah Leah Schtroks (nee Greenwald), who also was a dedicated teacher in Morristown, after a prolonged illness. In the ensuing years, R’ Yeshaye was the backbone of his family, lovingly guiding and comforting his children. He was the one who took them to shul, recited Kiddush on Shabbos, comforted them when they were sad, and shared their joys when they celebrated.

A few years later, he remarried Suri Schtroks (nee Raskin), and for six years, they built a warm, respectful and inviting home for their combined children.

Together, they led two of Reb Yeshaye’s children to the chupah and saw the engagement of two of Mrs. Schtroks’ children, who will soon be married, in a gute shoh.

And now, they were hit with a devastating blow. The beloved father and grandfather, the loyal husband, the devoted son, the respected brother and uncle was suddenly taken from their midst.

Rabbi Yeshaye Schtroks OBM is survived by his wife Suri and his children R’ Yosef Yitzchok – Crown Heights, Mrs. Tziporah Klyne – Detroit, Menachem Mendel, Sholom Ber, Schneur Zalman, Shmuel and Levi, all of Morristown. He is also survived by Suri’s children, his mother Mrs. Musia Schtroks of London and many siblings.

Now the burden falls on Suri’s shoulders to continue to be the mother figure for all the children. We need to be her support system to enable her to hold up the fort.

Hamakom Yenachem Eschem…. For whom, other than Hashem, can answer the tears of these seven children, five of whom are still unmarried, who have now been orphaned of both their beloved mother and their devoted father?
Are there any actions that can mitigate such a loss?

Are there any words that can eliminate the pain?

Who will comfort them now?

Who will pay the tuition to the yeshivas?

Who will walk these boys down to the chupah?

Who will be able to fill the shoes of such a devoted father, who was already filling the place of their doting mother who was torn from them at such a young age?

Are there any actions, any mere words that can “make it all better”?
Who, other than Hashem, can answer, can comfort?
There is something we can do to help.

So many among us have been privileged to meet Rabbi Schtroks, to benefit from his genuine smile, his comforting arm, his living example of “mentshlichkeit.” So many among us, especially former students, have stories to tell, memories to share.

We can help bring some measure of comfort to his family, by offering monetary support to help ensure that these children will have a stable future. It is time for us as friends and family to rally around the Schtroks family and donate as much as we can. This is a constructive way to show how much we care and to help relieve their throbbing pain.

We can also bring some measure of comfort to his family, by sharing anecdotes and encounters with Rabbi Schtroks, of memories and moments to hold on to.

Hamakom Yenachem Eschem….
Only Hashem can offer comfort, and Hashem directs us in offering comfort, as it says in the Torah, “Remember the widows and orphans in your midst….”

Remember this widow, these children, twice orphaned, and hopefully in the merit of your Tzedaka and Ahavas Yisrael, we will cease all mourning from among our people, with the arrival of Moshiach, now!

To donate to the family click here.