At the Heart of Lakewood - Rabbi Yisroel Schenkolewski

Today, Lakewood is one of the world's great Torah centers. Thousands of families. More than one hundred shuls and schools. A thriving Torah community built around the magnificent Torah empire of Beth Medrash Govoha. But it wasn't always this way. There was a time when Lakewood was a small yeshivah town, with only a few dozen frum families. A time when housing was scarce, Jewish institutions faced fierce opposition, and the future of the growing Torah community was anything but certain. Behind that astonishing transformation stands a man whose name is unfamiliar to many: Rabbi Yisroel Schenkolewski. As Rav Shneur Kotler's trusted confidant, Rabbi Schenkolewski fought for the community's right to build shuls and create desperately needed housing. He helped establish Lakewood Hatzolah, founded Bais Kaila, and forged relationships with powerful political leaders — all the while quietly helping countless individuals. Governors knew him. Police chiefs trusted him. Roshei Yeshivah relied on him. And ordinary people knew that whatever their problem, Rabbi Schenkolewski would find a way to help. In At the Heart of Lakewood, Rabbi Shmuel Botnick brings to life the struggles, victories, and extraordinary personalities behind Lakewood's growth. Featuring more than 100 historic photographs and documents, this is the story of a remarkable Torah city – and of the man who quietly and modestly helped change the course of American Torah history.