The Jewish community was dealt a serious blow on Rosh Hashana, with the Petira of R’ Shlomo Zakheim Z”L, one of the greatest Baalei Chesed in this generation. He was 59 years old.
Shlomo was a longtime member of Flatbush Hatzolah (F32), for more than 30 years. In fact, Shlomo was the first paramedic in Hatzolah, leading the way to the current reality – of hundreds of Paramedics and possibly tens of thousands of lives saved.
Shlomo was heavily involved in Camp Simcha / Chai Lifeline, and personally touched the lives of thousands of children fighting cancer.
He had his own “make a wish foundation”, and flew sick children to the most exotic places in the world, arranging their final wishes – all without fanfare.
Shlomo and his wife Fayge’s entire lives revolved around Chessed: Taking care of thousands of broken Neshamos, Yesomim (orphans), Almanos (widows), people suffering from all types of diseases, Mosdos Hatorah, and anything that came his way. He was a miracle maker, and moved mountains to do a chessed.
He did all this while remaining anonymous, and out of sight – never seeking publicity, and staying away from any Kavod.
In fact, the true loss of Shlomo Zakheim will probably never be known, as much of his astonishing legacy of chesed was done without a name.
Despite suffering from an illness the past year, Shlomo continued his acts of Chesed from his hospital bed – until his last days. Weak and unable to speak, he conducted his Chesed through email and text until he was unable to do that. He never wavered in his strong Emunah, and showed tremendous Bitachon until his final moments – responding to emails with the words “Ain Od Milvadio”….
He leaves behind a family of Bnei Torah, all following in his path of Torah and Chesed. May Hashem give them the Koach to overcome this horrific tragedy, and continue in his ways.
The Levaya will be on Sunday at 1:00PM, in Shomrei Hadas Chapels, 14th Avenue and 39th Street.
Boruch Dayan Emmes…
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10 Responses
There are no words to describe the greatness of uncle Shlomo Z
nor words to describe the enormity of the loss to klal yisroel
yihe zichro Boruch
Hashem needed a paramedic and bal chesed to help him repair neshamos in shamayim. So Hashem picked the absolute best.
he was an amazing person who always thought of how to help his fellow jew. i have so many stories of his care, concern and devotion he portrayed to my family and esp my very sick sister!!
ברוך דַּיָּן הָאֱמֶת. There aren’t enough words to comment when such a צדיק is taken away at the prime of his life.
Those that didnt know him missed out.. i had the zechus to be his side for the last 12 years, his chesed and heart knew no bounds.. luv him and miss him…
he did amazing acts of good for all people regardless of race, religion he was and is a powerhouse of chesed that we should all emulate.
ABoroch Dayen Haemes, Another extraordinary chesed that people know very little about, are the thousands of Russians, children and adults which were able to have a bris, all which Reb Shlomo financed without fanfare. We lost an unbelievable tzadik, may he be a mailitz yasher for his family and klall Yisroel
Reb Shlomo Z”L personified the unconditional living by example. Yehi Zichro Boruch!
Anyone know if there is a call-in number for levaya
i met him in ny hospital while he came to visit my daughter Danielle chaya bat aviva …she had the best time ever in camp simcha ..a camp that he help so much .he is in heaven now we shall remember him
In case anyone out of town would like to dial in to hear the levaya, they can call +1 (401) 694-1602 x1048#. (Press #6 to mute).