David Handleman
Interviewed by Stanley Meretsky
July 29, 2004
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
David Handleman
Video 00:47:00
David Handleman
Audio 00:47:00
Abstract
In this interview, David Handleman speaks about his parents’ experiences immigrating from Germany and Russia to Detroit. He talks about his childhood in a diverse suburb because his father wanted them to live in a diverse community.
Handleman mentions many of the organizations he had been a part of over the years, such as the United Foundation. Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), Interlochen Music Camp, United Jewish Appeal, United Jewish Charities, Jewish Welfare Board, HAIS, Allied Jewish Campaign, and the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade.
Mr. Handleman talks at length about the Handleman Company, which started out in the drug store business, but evolved, into the music distribution business. Handleman relates a brief anecdote about a meeting with Barry Gordy of Motown.
Next, Handleman mentions his memories from his first trip to Israel in 1969, and then speaks about his wife’s passions involving the DIA. Finally, he leaves a message for young people to get involved and to become educated.
History of Narrator
David Handleman was born in Detroit in 1914 to Phillip and Sarah Handleman. David attended Wayne State University. Along with his brothers, Paul, Joe, and Moe, Handleman took over his father’s drug company, turning it into a wholesale distributer of pharmaceuticals. Later, they got into the music business, becoming the middle point between music producers and stores. The Handleman Co. became one of the largest distributors of recorded videotapes, music, software, and books.
Handleman served in several top posts of Jewish leadership. He was chair of the Allied Jewish Campaign in 1979-80 and served as president of United Jewish Charities. Along with Bill and Madge Berman, Handleman created the first Challenge Fund. He started the Handleman meeting so past presidents could stay up to date with what was happening in the Jewish community. Along with his first wife, Marian, he created a Jewish National Fund forest with 50,000 trees at American Independence Park in Israel. Handleman is a recipient of the prestigious Butzel Award for community service.
Handleman’s other community service includes United Foundation, Detroit Institute of Arts, Interlochen Music Camp, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, National Jewish Hospital in Denver, HIAS, and American Jewish Congress.
David Handleman died on December 13, 2009.
Transcript
Important Subjects
Important Names
Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. David Handleman Oral History Interview, July 29, 2004.