We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Shneor Zalman Wilschanski, the Rosh Yeshiva of Tomchei Temimim Morristown, NJ, and the Rov of the Morristown Anash community.

He was 74 and suffered an illness.

He was born in Paris, France, as the eldest son of Rabbi Refoel Wilschanski, secretary of the European Lubavitch Lishka bureau, and his mother, Mrs. Zlate Wilschanski. who passed at a young age.

As a child and later as a bochur at Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in the small town of Brunoy, he grew up around and was deeply influenced by the legendary chassidim such as R’ Yosef Goldberg, R’ Yisroel Noach Blinitzky, R’ Shlomo Chaim Kesselman, R’ Nochum Labkovsky, R’ Nissan Neminovand R’ Zalman Shimon Devorkin.

He learned in Brunoy until the year 5730 (1970) when he traveled to the United States for the first time to be near the Rebbe and learn in the Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY.

Over the years, he assisted his brother Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilschanski – Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Chassidei Chabad in Tzfas, in his work on Vaad Lehafotzas Sichos, the group which edited, printed and distributed the Rebbe’s Sichos to the world.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married Mrs. Esther Wilschanski, the daughter of Rabbi Tzvi Yosef and Golda Kotlarsky, Chassidim and residents of Crown Heights.

In the year 5747 (1987), he was appointed Rosh Yeshiva of Tomchei Tmimim of Morristown, one of the institutions of the Rabbinical College of America led by Dean Rabbi Moshe Herson. Rabbi Wilschanski also served as the Rav of Congregation Levi Yitzchak in Morristown and moreh hora’ah of the local Chabad community.

Over the years, he has educated many bochurim who grew up to be Chassidim and Shluchim. Despite being a Rosh Yeshiva and delivering shiurim in Gemara, Rabbi Wilschanski was known for his Chassidic warmth and wide knowledge of stories and anecdotes. He led many farbrengens for Bochurim and Chassidim over the years.

He was an honored guest at the Global Yarchei Kallah, the annual summer gathering of Chabad Rabbonim and Roshei Yeshiva at Camp Gan Israel in Parksville, New York. He often served as the emcee of the main session or the Melave Malka in honor of the Rebbe’s father.

He is survived by his wife Mrs. Esti Wilschanski – Morristown, NJ, and their children Rabbi Levi Wilschanski – Tzfas, Israel; Mrs. Zlate Benjaminson – Morristown, NJ; Mrs. Aida Cunin – Los Angeles, CA; Rabbi Yankel Wilschanski – Crown Heights; Rabbi Tzali Wilschanski – Kenosha, WI; Mrs. Chaya Roitblatt – Crown Heights; Rabbi Mayer Wichansky – Coral Springs, FL; Rabbi Sendy Wilschanski – Phoenix, AZ; Rabbi Mendy Wilschanski – North Carolina; and grandchildren.

Baruch Dayan Haemes.