The Skverer community in New York is mourning the petirah of Rabbi Yitzchak Surkis z”l, a respected chassid and longtime cook in the Skverer mosdos, who fed thousands of young talmidim over the years. He was 63.

Rabbi Surkis passed away Thursday morning in the Skverer shtetel, leaving behind family members and fellow chassidim who recall his warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Torah and avodah.

He was the son of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Surkis, who came to Skve from Poland and helped establish the foundations of the chassidus in its American home. Raised in the ways of Skver, Reb Yitzchak carried that heritage forward, instilling the same values in his children and descendants.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married the daughter of Rav Reuven Shmelzer z”l of the Skverer community.

Rabbi Surkis was widely known as a remarkable masmid; in every spare moment he could be found with a Gemara in hand. Alongside his diligence in learning, he was remembered for his ready smile, sense of humor, and kind words for everyone he encountered.

For many years, he served as the cook in the Skverer educational institutions, preparing meals for thousands of tinokos shel beis rabban. Generations of children were nourished by his devoted work behind the scenes, a role he carried out with quiet pride and responsibility.

Over the past decade, he faced significant health challenges. Despite his yissurim, he never relinquished his commitment to Torah or his responsibilities, and he maintained his characteristic smile throughout. He succumbed to medical complications Thursday morning.

Among his relatives is his brother-in-law, the well-known singer Lipa Shmelczer.

The levayah will take place today at the Skverer beis medrash in New York.

Yehi zichro boruch.