Families in ZabludowJews in Zabludow were divided into paternal units each with it's unique characteristics. Several families belonged to one paternal unit (like a clan) that besides its official name appearing on documents had a title accepted by people. All branches of that unit were tied up in good friendly relations, and in time of need helped each other. They rejoiced when one of them rejoiced and whoever harassed one of them turned the entire unit against him.
Some paternal units were proud of their lineage. They praised the fact that they were descendants of so called aristocracy while others emphasized their spiritual lineage. Most family had business that was passed from generation to generation. One known family is Figels whose ancestor was Mrs. Figels, a smart woman, merchant, and owner of a textile shop in Zabludow. The family members were known to be god fearing pious and studious.
Decades ago the family members established a textile factory and were connected to merchants all over Russia. When big crises in the field of textile broke they lost all their money and became "downers". The head of the family R' Moshe Figels, a pious and righteous man' traveled to the rabbi for advice. He told his rabbi that he was on the verge of losing all his money and asked if he should give all his money to the debtors or leave some aside for him at old age so he doesn't have to rely on charity. The rabbi warned him not to take money before paying all his debts. The man followed the rabbi's word and spent the rest of his life in poverty, but with clean conscience. Due to the economical crises other family members also lost their property because they were in business together.
The Derales family won much publicity in Zabludow; its sons were physically fit and strong, and known to be aggressive. In a fight between two men the winner was always the one supported by the Derales's. No one dared fight them. A man who wanted to build a new home or redo the old one, and feared the objection of his neighbor, went to the head of the Derales family for help. If Derales promised to help-there was no doubt that none shall bother. Especially noticeable were Paltiel and Mechil, sharp guys who were blessed with the ability to speak well; and if convincing didn't work; they did not hesitate before using force.The Rimmer family had an important place in town. They owned leather factories. Yehoshua Rimmer opened the first factory in Zabludow. The Rimmers did well, their business grew and they were also well known out of town.
Worth mentioning is also the Karzheshes family. Most of her sons were butchers; simple, hard working and honest men. They had good ties with the farmers. They bought beasts from them and sold it to the Jews. The patriarch of that family was a charitable man who welcomed all to his home. They controlled all the meat business. They owned the slaughtering house and all the kosher meat shops.
There were other families who received public's attention:
The Koltess family were serious and hard working people. The father of the family wanted his son to be a learner. He sent his son to the Yeshivah, and his dream was fulfilled; his son Avraham became the Mohel (performer of ritual circumcision) of the town. He was a learner and Baal Koreh (reader of the scriptures in the synagogue).
The Bertchers family were owners of taverns, merchants of wheat and wood. All were very rich and highly respected.
Sheina Yantess family were textile merchants and great learners. The women managed the business and the men sat on the benches of Beit Hamidrash. Sometimes they helped in the shop on a market day. Shepsl Sheina Yantess served as a Gabai in the synagogue all his life.
The Zlomess family were all tall, and excelled in physical fitness. Because they were trading in cattle they were always among the farmers in the fields and forests. The elder of the family was exiled to Siberia by the Russian government there he became involved with the Jews and did not want to return to Zabludow. In time he became the representative of the Jewish community in Siberia.
The Chesslers were known as good builders. They built nearly all the wood houses in Zabludow. Aharon Hirsch Chessler was known as an excellent healer, and although he never completed his studies, he was trusted and treated as though he was a real physician.
Another family worth mentioning is the Lockins family. were Peddlers. Hard working people who went around the villages all week long, never resting in one place. But shabbat was a true day of rest for them. Well dressed they would come to Beit Hamidrash for a chapter in Tehilim (psalms) or to hear a Midrash (sermon). They demonstrated how a Jew can switch from dog to a prince on the Sabbath.
We should also mention the Pozhak family, all decent tailors. Their day began with first Minyan (a quorum of ten required for prayer) at the synagogue. Since they gave the creator what he deserves- they would go back home, have a drink and a pastry, and go straight to work. They worked peacefully, like artist occupied with their art. In the evening they would go back to the synagogue to hear the rabbi's words or study Midrash between Minkha and Maariv. The people of Zabludow were organized into paternal units, as told about, and from other families. The families grew in numbers every year until immigration to America began. Many young people went across the sea, some because they didn't want to go to the army and some because of poverty.
People who left Zabludow kept ties with their hometown and assisted them in times of need. They did not forget their tribe. From time to time they sent a letter with dollars.
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