LAKEWOOD, NJ – Lakewood has lost a major figure this week with the passing of Rabbi Israel Schenkolewski, a key force in Ocean County politics. Schenkolewski, who passed away at 80 after a long illness, was not only a beloved spiritual leader but also a political strategist who helped shape Lakewood’s growing influence in local elections.
He played a critical role in pioneering block voting in Lakewood, a tactic that gave the town major sway in both county and state elections.
By the late 1990s, the Vaad, a coalition of rabbis, was formed under his influence and continues to deliver massive voter turnout—making Lakewood a political powerhouse.
Schenkolewski’s leadership wasn’t limited to elections. He also served as chairman of the Lakewood Zoning Board and was a longtime commissioner of the Ocean County Board of Elections.
On top of that, he was a chaplain for the Lakewood Police Department, offering guidance to law enforcement for many years.
Though his reputation was tainted in the 1990s by accusations of trading donations for political support of a power plant, the courts twice dismissed the indictments against him, clearing his name.
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Rabbi Schenkolewski’s legacy in Lakewood politics and community leadership is undeniable. His influence will be felt long after his passing, as the town continues to navigate its complex political landscape.