Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilmowsky, a beloved Crown Heights figure, passed away a few days before Rosh Hashana three years ago. He learned Nigleh and Chassidus in the wee hours of the morning and was a role model for many bochurim. R’ Yoske Wilmowsky worked as the dedicated manager of the 1414 Yeshiva kitchen system for decades at the Rebbe’s instruction. On Shabbos afternoons, he was the one to recite maamarim by heart for those gathered in his shul.
In his memory, a library was started in Kingston, PA. Children come by every Friday to borrow and read. Parents enjoy the quiet on Erev shabbos while their children are happily occupied. The library adds books whenever it can. Opened together with another local family, the Weinbergs, the library is named for Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Ben Chaim Zusia and also for Moshe Nechemia Ben Chaim Moshe.
The MNYY library is great for children and parents, too. Kids come to read the latest comics, books, and Jewish children’s magazines and they can take home one book per week. Many kids walk over on their own, with siblings, while their parents are getting ready for Shabbos. Some parents come with their younger children and find books for themselves, too.
Rabbi Wilmowsky was an unforgettable figure— he possessed an incredible memory, loved learning, and was a towering leader. We are proud to keep his memory alive with this collection of books in our home library. It is open to the community so that every Jewish child (and teen, and adult) can have a good book that enriches their lives, week after week.
Sponsor a book for the Kingston community MNYY library by sending any amount by cashapp to $chayawilmowsky.
The Library buys books locally at Kingston Judaica, which is also a sponsor.
The Library was established with the help of a startup grant by the Jewish Children’s Library Fund.
In addition to the library, immediately following Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak a”h Wilmowsky’s passing, a men’s kolel was launched in his memory. Kolel Yosef Yitzchak has been going strong for three years and has contributed to the life of the local community. A delectable breakfast is served in shul on Sunday mornings alongside an innovative shiur every week. The speakers are chosen from among various noted Kingston community members and distinguished visiting guests. You can find a complete library of the recordings of the Kolel Yosef Yitzchak classes on many classic and timely topics at kolelyosef.com for your listening pleasure.
May the neshama of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilmowsky have an aliya and may we merit Moshiach now, when we will be reunited again.
