BROOKLYN NY – Sunday, November 12, 2006
FREE Alumni Association has belatedly heard the unfortunate news of the passing, seven weeks ago, of an outstanding mentsch, Herman Jenkelowitz, of blessed memory.
Herman was born 51 years ago on 20 Cheshvan – birthday of the Rebbe RaShaB (Rabbi Sholom DovBer, fifth great leader of Chabad-Lubavitch). He was born in the Carpathian Mountain region of the Soviet Union, where the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, lived three centuries ago. His parents, Reb Simcha and Leah Jenkelowitz, succeeded in remaining religious even under the Soviets, and maintained a secret Shul in their home from1966 to 1972.
After he immigrated with his family to the U.S. 1972, Herman was among the first students at FREE’s Yeshiva High School. Later he worked for over 32 years at Raskins Fish store on Kingston Avenue, where he was known for his honesty and diligent work.
Herman was beloved by all who knew him. As a Kohein, he was a true ish hachessed – a “man of kindness,” who helped everyone he could, and always had a smile and a kind word. He was a devoted husband and father, and his family and all who were acquainted with him will miss him sorely.
Herman tragic passing was on 29 Elul – Erev Rosh Hashanah 5767, birthday of the Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek. He was privileged to come into this world on the birthday of one of our great Rebbes, and then to complete his mission in this world on the birthday of another of our great Rebbes – a rare privilege that surely attests to his own unique status.
May his family and all of us be privileged very soon to be reunited with him and with all departed Jews, at the revelation of Moshiach, may it be NOW!