Susie Citrin
Interviewed by Sharon Alterman
July 28, 2005
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Susie Citrin
Video 01:11:27
Susie Citrin
Audio 01:11:27
Abstract
Susie Citrin speaks briefly about her early life, her parents, and grandparents. Citrin mentions her education, and then speaks about her children and grandchildren. She discusses the lack of a Jewish community in her High School. She and the few other Jewish students started their own club, called the “Abstracts”. She also played violin, piano, and guitar. It was also around this time, that she met her husband, Robert.
Citrin then discusses her early involvement with the Jewish community, in joining Freeman B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG), and Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA). Later, she mentions taking rabbi’s classes after having children and joining Birmingham Temple. She mentions her mentors in the Women’s Division of Federation and speaks at length of her experiences with the Jewish Family Services. She relates her memories of being president of this agency.
Citrin talks about her many missions to Israel over the years, beginning in 1969 with the Detroit Service Group. She also mentions being a part of family missions and community missions.
Citrin speaks about her involvement with Yad Ezra and with the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association, where she worked on the Association’s archives.
Citrin mentions her honors, such as the Heart of Gold and the Leonard N. Simons Jewish History Award. Finally, Citrin talks about Seminars of Adult Jewish Enrichment.
History of Narrator
Susie Citrin began her volunteer activities at Jewish Family Service, rising to the office of Board President. She has served on the board of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, as chair of Federation’s Annual Campaign, president of Women’s Philanthropy, chair of the Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives Committee and board member of the Birmingham Temple. She has also been honored several times, receiving the Sylvia Simon Greenberg Award the United Way Heart of Gold. Her warm sense of humor and sincere concern for others make her an effective leader who has touched the lives of many throughout our community.
Transcript
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Important Names
Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Susie Citrin Oral History Interview, July 28, 2005.