Rabbis Pay Tribute to One of New York’s Finest, Dep. Chief Charles M. Scholl
by Yaakov Ort – chabad.org
Thousands of rabbis paid tribute Sunday to one of New York’s Finest, the late Dep. Chief Charles M. Scholl, Chief of Patrol of Brooklyn South precinct—a beloved and important fixture for almost a decade at the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries. Chief Scholl passed away this summer at the age of 64.
Responsible for the safety of New Yorkers in eleven different neighborhoods of New York over a 41-year career, Chief Scholl supervised the setup, safety and security at the convention’s annual photo shoot since 2014, when he moved to the 60th precinct.
It was a responsibility he cherished.
“We’re proud that rabbis from all over the world come to Brooklyn, N.Y.,” Schall said in 2019. “The NYPD is here to protect them and make sure they have a great time at their convention.”
Each year, Chief Scholl would enthusiastically welcome on behalf of the city the thousands of rabbis gathered in front of Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway for their annual photo. Each year he would take part in a light-hearted tradition when he and Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, regional director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Texas, would exchange hats.
“There wasn’t a bigger smile in the crowd than on the Chief’s face, with him smiling from ear to ear,” recalled Lt. Ira Jablonsky of the NYPD. “It was so radiant would light up the whole picture.”
“Chief Scholl and Rabbi Lazaroff were true friends with a true connection,” Jablonsky continued. “Two good human beings participating in an event full of good people trying to do right for their communities. Chief Scholl really appreciated that and connected with it,. It was apparent in his warm feelings toward the event and warm relationship with Rabbi Lazaroff and all the shluchim he encountered. It really personified Chief Scholl and his 41 years of service to the community.”
As thousands of rabbis were assembling for the 2022 group photo, Rabbi Lazaroff recalled the bond the two had formed over years. “I was connected with him because he was connected with me,” said Rabbi Lazaroff. “He liked my smile and I liked his smile.”
But It was not so much the hats,” rabbi continued, but the message that the Rebbe [Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory] loved every person no matter what hat he wears, regardless of his origins, because the human being in him is the perfect and precious thing. That’s what Chabad and Rebbe are all about, and that was the connection.
“Chief Scholl was a fine human being with a great sense of humor,” observed Rabbi Lazroff. ”It’s not about the hat itself but the person underneath the hat. That’s what made the connection.”
The 2022 group photo of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries can be viewed here.
The gala banquet of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries will be live-streamed on Sunday, Nov. 20, starting at 4:30 p.m. EST, at Chabad.org/Kinus.
