R' Ovadia Schtroks ob"m
Born in Uman, now in modern-day Ukraine, to Rabbi Nachman Zeev Schtroks, Rabbi Ovadiah Schtroks studied in the Lubavitch yeshiva in Kremenchug. He left Russia after the war as a refugee, travelling through Europe to Paris. He came to London in the 1950s having worked as a shochet (kosher slaughterer) in Dublin, Ireland.
As one of the founders of the Lubavitch community in London, Rabbi Schtroks was tireless in taking on many communal responsibilities such as fundraising, teaching and serving as chazzan on High Holidays.
In a letter dated 25 Tevet 5720 (1960) the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson of blessed memory, encouraged him in his endeavours, saying “nothing should stand in your way.”
“He carried out his work day to day in the most devoted and special way, not for money, but to help others. Such people you don’t see anymore,” said a fellow Rabbi.
Many will remember Rabbi Schtroks for the unique way in which he taught hundreds of boys the alef-beis and how to read Hebrew at the Lubavitch Boys School in Stamford Hill - an activity which he continued until close to his passing.
“I had the privilege among hundreds of others to be taught alef beis by Rabbi Schtroks,” said one former pupil. “He taught using the really old fashioned method. We all learned how to read fluently.”
Rabbi Ovadia Schtroks passed away a few days after Rosh Hashana on the 5th of Tishrei 5771.
Born in Uman, now in modern-day Ukraine, to Rabbi Nachman Zeev Schtroks, Rabbi Ovadiah Schtroks studied in the Lubavitch yeshiva in Kremenchug. He left Russia after the war as a refugee, travelling through Europe to Paris. He came to London in the 1950s having worked as a shochet (kosher slaughterer) in Dublin, Ireland.
As one of the founders of the Lubavitch community in London, Rabbi Schtroks was tireless in taking on many communal responsibilities such as fundraising, teaching and serving as chazzan on High Holidays.
In a letter dated 25 Tevet 5720 (1960) the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson of blessed memory, encouraged him in his endeavours, saying “nothing should stand in your way.”
“He carried out his work day to day in the most devoted and special way, not for money, but to help others. Such people you don’t see anymore,” said a fellow Rabbi.
Many will remember Rabbi Schtroks for the unique way in which he taught hundreds of boys the alef-beis and how to read Hebrew at the Lubavitch Boys School in Stamford Hill - an activity which he continued until close to his passing.
“I had the privilege among hundreds of others to be taught alef beis by Rabbi Schtroks,” said one former pupil. “He taught using the really old fashioned method. We all learned how to read fluently.”
Rabbi Ovadia Schtroks passed away a few days after Rosh Hashana on the 5th of Tishrei 5771.