Issac Zellermeiar – A Kind Man Devoted to Chesed
While the image of people dressed in silly costumes following a hearse may have seemed paradoxical to onlookers, the funeral procession on Purim morning of this year was, in actuality, a celebration of a unique man’s life.
To those who knew him, Isaac Zellermaier was a kind, selfless man. The simple, cheerful shopkeeper devoted many hours of his day to helping others before himself, primarily by responding to Hatzalah calls and by assisting fellow Jews with the legal system. Crown Heights residents knew they could depend on Isaac, and frequented his shop whenever they needed assistance. Although he was regarded for years as a kind-hearted gentleman, the extent of his noble nature only became apparent in the days surrounding his death.
About three weeks prior to his passing at age 63, Isaac became very ill. Having been a fairly private person for all of his life, Isaac did not alert friends and family about his recent ailment, claiming to inquirers to be recovering from a bad cold. Not wanting to concern many with his personal matters, he only admitted his discomfort to his wife.
For years he had hidden his discomfort. He suffered from a noticeable limp since childhood, yet wore a smile on his face all day long.
Remember when the Rebbe gave out dollars and thousands of people waited on line for hours all Sunday? Well, Isaac was one of them. Isaac also stood for hours in rain or shine, along with those waiting to come before the Rebbe. He was part of the Vaad Hamesadrim; he offered his assistance, kept order, and ushered the people along.
One day while he was on hand at 770, a heavy beam fell and broke his foot. Undeterred, he continued to run to Hatzala calls, albeit with crutches.
As one of the first members of Hatzalah in the Crown Heights division and later as a liaison between Shomrim and the NYPD, Isaac took calls at all hours of the day and night. Every call was important to Isaac and he continuously closed his shop on the neighborhood’s main drag, Kingston Avenue, and ran to help those in need. “It takes a special person to do that,” said Shloime Gutleizer, a friend of the Zellermaier family, and a local shopkeeper.
To see Isaac running to a Hatzalah call, carrying a heavy oxygen tank and medical supplies bag, amazed witnesses; for Isaac ran with a severe limp.
“He lived a most modest life, never needing anything,” recounted Gadi Hershkop, a fellow Shomrim coordinator. Both Gadi and his brother Aron said his relationship with Isaac was like that of a father and son. “Anytime I needed something, he was there. His whole life was dedicated to helping others,” Aron added.
When a Jew was in trouble financially or with the law, Isaac took action. He raised money for many individuals in need. Overlooking his own profits, Isaac also provided those who could not afford groceries the dignity of shopping gratis in his shop.
Isaac joined the Shomrim neighborhood patrol fifteen years ago and acted as both Shomrim coordinator and liaison between the volunteer patrol and the police force. As a liaison, he interceded on behalf of his fellow Jews whenever the need arose.
His family mourned the loss of its devoted father and husband. All throughout the seven-day shiva period following his funeral on Purim, people visiting the family recounted stories of their personal interactions with Isaac. “He pushed himself to the limit and had tremendous mesiras nefesh,” reflected his wife, Devora, after hearing many stories from her husband’s acquaintances.
Zalman, a 29-year-old man, shared a story with the family during the shiva. At five years old he was accidentally hit by an ambulance, and the medic on board pronounced the pulse-less boy dead. Isaac responded to the Hatzalah call. Upon arriving at the scene of the accident, Isaac was determined to revive the child. He performed CPR and did not give up. Finally, he felt a pulse. Isaac then rode with little Zalman to the hospital, reviving him multiple times until they arrived at the emergency room.
Today, Zalman owes his life to the Hatzalah responder who did not give up.
Isaac’s sons Yidu and Shloimy said they admire their father for his honesty and for always doing what is right. “He stuck to his beliefs and always put us before himself,” said his son Shloimy.
Binyomin Lifshitz, an admirer of the senior Shomrim member, called Isaac’s funeral attended by mourners dressed in costumes as the “celebration of Isaac’s life.” He said that the costumes were in line with Isaac’s constantly upbeat character. “He would not have wanted to dim the simcha of Purim,” Lifshitz added.
Fellow Shomrim members mourned the loss of their friend and role model. “He was a righteous man,” said Lifshitz. “We lost a pillar and we will continue the good deeds that he did,” Aron Hershkop pledged.
Shaya Gutleizer
Issac was a man who put every persons need before his own, he was a true tzadik. Word cannot express the feelings that this man had for the members of this community and for ever jew around the world. I knew Issac for more than 20 years and I am sure many people around the world feel the loss of such a great man. I ask that every one take the time to do at least one true act of chessed in his memory.
Issac, you will be in out hearts and thoughts forever and I am sure that you are now acting as a liaison and helping us out up there.
Chag Kosher V-sameach
Thank you for reminding us about this great loss to our community.The pictures taken are a snapshot of Issac’s involvement throughout the many decades as a liaison to the NYPD and the community.
Of course, we all know that there are many more good deeds than pictures could show
___________
I didn’t know him or of him until he passed away. He seems like an amazing man. Thanks for the article.
Baruch dayan haemes
Boruch dayan ha’emes
Yitzchok Wagshul
Over the course of many years, I often discussed community affairs with Isaac a“h, and one thing that impressed me greatly–aside from things that were obvious to all who knew him, like his genuine kindness and dedication to all–was the fact that, although he lived in Boro Park, he considered himself a real member of our Crown Heights community. As a local store owner and one of our most involved activists, Isaac was in Crown Heights all day and frequently evenings and weekends, for community events. He would use expressions like, ”our leadership should do such and such,“ or ”this is what our people need“–the word ”our” came naturally to him, because he really felt himself to be a Crown Heightser. And he was! His loss cannot be filled. May we see him again with Moshiach immediately.
mendy
may his memory be blessed!
Brina (&Mottel) Berkowitz
Issac was a wonderful humqn being. There are no words that can adequetly discribe what he was like. I always knew I could relie on him for anything. He was kind, always smiling and was a BAAAL chesed. If was a great shock to me and my husband to find out abouy his demise.
He will be sorely missed by me and my family.
Hamokem yenachem….
curious
which store did he own? he looks familiar but i can’t place which shop was his?
Tenant from Empire
I lived in Crown Heights over 13 years ago. He was my landlord for a little apartment I used to rent from him and his brother on Empire. What can I say, one of the most amazing people I knew in Crown Heights. So sweet, and caring. He treated me like his daughter, not like his tenant. No words can express the loss of this person.