Orley talks about two historic events involving the Shaarey Zedek synagogue. First, he tells the story of being a young boy when Hank Greenberg, a Detroit Tigers baseball player had come to synagogue to ask the Rabbi permission to play the playoffs game which was to be held on a holiday. The other was when Rabbi Morris Adler was shot.

Next, Orley mentions his school days, his getting into business with his father and brother, and then being a storekeeper in the Army.   He says that he was to be transferred into the Navy, but something found in the physical kept him out.  This leads into Orley speaking about his high school years, his Sunday School experiences, and the jobs he did as a young boy during the Great Depression.

Orley tells about how he met his wife, and then speaks about his children and grandchildren.  He then mentions his mother’s charity that he had witnessed growing up and mentions that it has always stuck with him.

Orley talks about how he got into the Real Estate business, how he came to solicit for the Allied Jewish Campaign and for the United Jewish Charities in the Real Estate Division.  He talks about the various offices he has held in the United Jewish Foundation, including president.  He mentions that one of the proudest moments was getting the Max M. Fisher Federation Building.

Orley mentions the other charities and philanthropic activities he is involved in.  He talks about Ford Hospital, Beaumont, and Sinai Hospital.  Orley speaks at length about his father-in-law, Sam Hechtman and his involvement in Federation Apartments. He mentions his involvement with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Opera House.

Following this, he speaks about his feelings on Israel.  He comments on his children’s’ involvement with Federation and talks about his legacy.  Finally, the interview ends with Orley speaking about his brother, Joe Orley.

CLOSE