Chairman of the Technology Committee
“Technology is advancing in leaps and bounds, and it needs to be utilized in the diamond industry as well,” Reb Shmuel often claimed. He did not suffice with mere declarations, he translated his words into actions as well. He was successful in implementing a perfected method to utilize special acids that make it easier to remove the thick natural outer layer of quartz stones. This achievement led to increased profits.
He had other effective ideas, which he proposed to the technology committee of the Diamond Institute. Over the years, he was the driving force behind advancing new ideas; he was eventually appointed as the chairman of this very committee. He also established a test factory to help advance new developments.
A Unique Election Campaign
As Reb Shmuel’s stellar reputation spread, he became very well-liked by the dealers throughout the Bourse. In time, they asked him to submit his candidacy for an administrative position on the Bourse’s board of directors.
He was taken aback. The very concept of rising to such a position was an anathema to the humble way he conducted himself, but the requests from his friends persisted. They pleaded with him, “From such a position, you can accomplish so much to benefit diamond dealers. You’ll be able to develop and implement positive initiatives. You’re the only one among us whose election is virtually guaranteed.”
It was true. People really valued his kindness, attentiveness, and patient listening ear — whether it was members of the Bourse or other people; Torah-observant Jews and those who were not; young and old.
He finally acceded and submitted his candidacy — but that was all he did to try to win the position. His approach to the whole candidacy was rather unusual. In the process of any election, candidates, even those who are confident in their standing, usually invest a considerable amount of effort to promote their achievements and successes. However, Reb Shmuel did not intend to launch a publicity campaign. He simply let his reputation and deeds speak for themselves.
As a Board Member
Harav Menachem Mendel Mendelson, the Rav of Komemiyus, related:
On the day of the board elections, there was a lot of tension in the air, with everyone anxiously awaiting the outcome. You can imagine that Reb Shmuel was also apprehensively awaiting the outcome.
In the morning, Reb Shmuel received a message from my father, the Gaavad of Komemiyus. He wanted Reb Shmuel to accompany him to assist him with a certain matter. Reb Shmuel arrived shortly thereafter — he always complied with the Rav’s every wish. This time as well, it did not occur to him to refuse, although naturally, his mind was surely on the election taking place at the Bourse.
They traveled to the Rav’s destination, and after taking care of what he needed to do, Reb Shmuel prepared to take my father home and hurry back to the Bourse.
“Are you available for some more stops?” the Rav asked.
I wanted to interject and tell my father that crucial elections were being held today at the Bourse and that it was important that Reb Shmuel be there. But Reb Shmuel motioned to me not to say anything.
“Sure, we can continue,” he said. And they did.
Nevertheless, Reb Shmuel was elected that day as a member of the board. His absence from the Bourse that day did not impact his chances of being elected. Incredibly, “Shmuel Daskal,” who had become almost a legend in the Bourse, was elected without even being there.
Definitely Not with Me!
One day, the Syndicate raised the price of raw materials by twenty-five percent — a price hike that was liable to severely affect diamond manufacturers.
Reb Zalman Leib Weiss related:
Reb Shmuel convened an urgent meeting of the board members of the Bourse and suggested a bold proposal. He recommended that they coordinate with the members of the board of the London Bourse to determine that they both would not buy any merchandise from the Syndicate — which would, in turn, force it to lower its prices. This proposal was accepted.
I was in his office when he returned from the meeting. As we were speaking, he received a phone call. It was another board member on the line with an idea. The Syndicate would be in serious straits because no one would be buying merchandise from them, and as a result, would surely seek to sell some merchandise “under the table,” so to speak, in order to raise needed cash while still maintaining their higher prices for the rest of the buyers. If so, this person suggested, we have an opportunity to offer the Syndicate lower prices for merchandise and we can bypass the decision made by the board.
Reb Shmuel was stunned; he recoiled in horror and shame. He could not believe that someone would exploit their position and knowledge for personal gain. After firmly refusing the caller’s offer, he turned to me, distraught. “We just decided together on a resolution, and already, one of the members wants to bypass that decision. And who is he coming to with his idea? Me! The one who came up with the plan in the first place!”
A Man of Chessed
The primary “personal benefits” that Reb Shmuel derived from being a member of the Bourse were the many opportunities he had to help people in a myriad of ways.
As a member of the board, he had a lot of influence. He could help people by assisting their entry as Bourse members and facilitate comfortable parnassah for many families. Additionally, he sat in on many arbitration meetings and was wisely able to mediate between sides.
He was always willing to help any Yid — religious and secular alike — which was why he was so beloved by all the members of the Bourse.
He was especially close with the Bourse president, Moshe Schnitzer, who was extremely fond of him, and made the effort to attend the weddings of all of Reb Shmuel’s children.
His good name became more than just a name, it became representative of a concept, an ideal. For many, many years, in the Diamond Bourse in Ramat Gan, the name “Shmuel Daskal” evoked very positive feelings among the diamond dealers. He was a beloved and admired figure, whose overwhelming desire to help others is not something that can easily be forgotten.
