Remembering The Life Of Zelfa Shakhmoroff

For 88 years my grandmother Zelfa Shakhmoroff a”h, niftar on October 25, blessed the world with her positive energy and kindness. She was the proud and revered matriarch of the Shakhmoroff family always leading us alongside her beloved husband, my grandfather Betzalel of blessed memory, a war veteran born in November of 1920. Together my grandparents raised three delightful children that each grew into respected role models for others.

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan in December of 1932, my grandmother was dealt many struggles leading to the eventual need for immigration. She first made her way to Eretz Yisrael where she met my grandfather and eventually wed. While embarking on their own search for stability, the budding couple first travelled to Los Angeles, until finally taking up permanent residence in Forest Hills, Queens.

To my grandmother her Jewish lifestyle always came first. In her home, Shabbat, the Yamim Tovim, and following our sacred religious customs was paramount. It was the meals that she would often host at her home that were the highlight of her week for the entire family. I would be remiss if I did not mention her care and concern for others. This special middah was where my grandmother excelled the greatest. I live each day to attempt to come close to appreciating and acknowledging the triumphs of others like how my grandmother exhibited.

When my grandmother came to New York, she chose to make a livelihood in the textile industry, working as a factory aide. She was an economical person who did a stellar job managing her finances. Together with my grandfather, they maintained a successful hardware store on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills.

My grandmother’s passion as cooking and baking. More importantly, she loved sharing her dishes with friends and family. Her recipes are a living tribute. This past Succot was the last time our family was privileged to share a charming meal with my grandmother. The scene in the sukkah was truly picturesque and this is how her family with most remember her surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I would like to thank my uncle Zvi for standing by and helping my grandmother immensely in her final days. My grandmother’s legacy and that of my grandfather’s will live on in the good deeds of their son, my father Pinchas, my aunt Sarah Ferstendig, my uncle Zvi Shakhmoroff, her six wonderful grandchildren, and her six delightful great-grandchildren.

By David Shakhmoroff, grandson