Tag #153895 - Interview #103414 (Revekka Mexina)

My grandfather was a housekeeper for Count Bobrinsky. He lied in the village of Tsvetnoye, Cherkassy province. My mother never told me about their house. She had hard memories about it – her mother and two brothers were killed there during a pogrom. My grandfather had to travel a lot.  Railway employees used to joke that ‘Balahosky had business wherever the trains went”.  This was true. Although my grandfather lived at the count’s estate, his family led a traditional Jewish way of life.  They strictly observed Jewish traditions, celebrated Sabbath and Jewish holidays. My grandfather wore common clothes and a hat outside, but at home he put on his kippah. He had a beautiful, well cared for beard.