Boruch Dayan Haemes – R. Yitzchok Nemes OB”M

With profound sadness we inform you of the passing of R. Yitzchok Nemes of Crown Heights. The Levaya will be today [Sunday] and will be leaving from the ‘Shomrei Hadaas’ Chapel at 12:00pm following it will pass 770 at around 1:00pm.

R. Yitzchok was known for his great and unique Mesirus to Mivtzah Tefillin. He was also known for his dealing in rare stamps, and the known story in which the Rebbe told him to delay his trip to Managua the capitol of Nicaragua, which advice he heeded and was therefore saved, since a massive earthquake struck dealing devastating damage to the city.

Hamokom Yenachem eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion VeYerushalayim

“I cannot understand why I still have not received the Rebbe’s blessing for this trip,” Rabbi Nemes mused to himself nervously. Rabbi Nemes is a stamp dealer who often trades bring him into contact with postal authorities and private collectors in Central America. He would regularly visit Nicaragua in the winter and had already scheduled his appointments for this year’s trip. As always, before finalizing his journey, he wrote to the Rebbe for a blessing. But instead of receiving an immediate answer, this time he had to wait for a reply.

As the date of his departure came near, Rabbi Nemes asked one of the Rebbe’s secretaries to help him. After speaking with the Rebbe, the secretary asked Rabbi Nemes for a detailed itinerary of the trip. When Rabbi Nemes forwarded the information to the Rebbe, the Rebbe responded: “Make the trip – but not at present.”

Rabbi Nemes found it difficult to comprehend the Rebbe’s advice. ‘This is the most profitable season for purchasing stamps,’ he thought. ‘Moreover, I have already arranged meetings with prominent dealers. And postponing this trip will complicate the other journeys I had planned. I cannot understand this; the Rebbe has never suggested a change in my plans before.’

Nevertheless, the Rebbe’s followers are not deterred simply because they don’t comprehend his advice. Rabbi Nemes postponed his trip and canceled his appointments.

One need not be a devout believer in Divine Providence to appreciate the immense sense of relief felt by Rabbi Nemes and his family when they heard the shocking news that weekend. A severe earthquake had struck Managua, Nicaragua’s capital, causing thousands of casualties and tremendous damage. “And I had been booked in a downtown hotel there,” Rabbi Nemes thought with a shudder.

As time passed and the airport at Managua opened again to commercial traffic, Rabbi Nemes considered making his journey. His family was apprehensive. “The city is still plagued with widespread theft and plundering,” they argued. But Rabbi Nemes felt optimistic. “The Rebbe did not disapprove of the trip entirely,” he told them. “He merely suggested that I postpone it.” Rabbi Nemes was further encouraged by the Rebbe’s prompt blessing to reschedule the trip.

Rabbi Nemes was not prepared for the vast destruction in the streets of Managua. Collapsed buildings and mounds of rubble littered the city. Countless homeless wandered aimlessly, making its familiar districts seem foreign even to a frequent visitor.

With great difficulty and anxiety, Rabbi Nemes made his way to the Central Post Office. In contrast to his somber expectations, he was astounded to find the huge building standing erect, almost untouched by the earthquake. Quickening his step, he proceeded to the room of an official with whom he often did business.

As he opened the door, the official jumped up with a start. “Goodness! What a surprise!” he exclaimed with delight. “I hadn’t expected any stamp dealer to come here now!”

After a friendly exchange, Rabbi Nemes began to talk business. However, the local man stopped him. “As you see, the city is in a state of upheaval. It will be some time until it is rebuilt. The stamp business is obviously not an immediate priority. You are a trustworthy dealer and we’ve always worked well together. Help yourself to any stamps you require. We’ll be in touch about the price and payment schedule at a future date.”

“That trip to Nicaragua was the most profitable I have ever made,” concluded Rabbi Nemes.