N. Brewster Broder
Interviewed by Cheryl Guyer
June 28, 2004
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
N. Brewster Broder
Video 01:25:15
N. Brewster Broder
Audio 01:25:15
Abstract
In this interview, N. Brewster Broder speaks about his upbringing and how involvement with the Jewish Community was always a priority for both of his parents. His mother was involved with Hadassah, Fresh Air Society, Detroit Council of Social Agencies and the Jewish Community Center. His father was involved with Red Feather Torch Drive, as well as fundraising for the Detroit Service Group. He was also on the board of the Hebrew Free Loan Association, and President of the Jewish Community Center.
Broder mentions his experiences at the orthodox Camp Moden with other leaders in the community. He mentions his high school memories and then talks about his draft during the Korean War. Here, he describes his involvement and experiences in holding Seder in Korea in 1952, along with his memories of being a minority as a Jewish soldier at this time.
When Broder returned to the Detroit after serving in Korea, he married Ruth Kahn and they began their family. He speaks of the beginning of his involvement with Federation, starting with the Junior Division, and how this lead into his involvement with the USO. Broder speaks about the differences in the campaign today compared to how it was in the 1950s. Broder briefly speaks about trips to Israel and how he was in attendance of the first conference of the International Jewish Centers.
When asked about what he was most proud of, Broder mentions his involvement in planning for the Jewish Center. He relates some memories of the good leadership in the Detroit Community, and talks about a few of his mentors. Broder gives his thoughts on comparing challenges from today with past issues with the Jewish Center.
Broder then discusses a little more about his involvement with Red Cross and United Way of Michigan.At the end of the interview, Broder is asked where his motivation comes from and also his most proud accomplishments.
History of Narrator
Brewster Broder was born on December 31, 1927 in Detroit, MI to Hymen and Celia Broder. He was chair of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s Allied Jewish Campaign, a board member of Tamarack Hills Authority, United Way of Southeastern Michigan and Travelers Aid, a life member of the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan, and past president of the Jewish Community Center.
His honors include Jewish Federation’s Frank A. Wetsman Leadership Award in1963, Jewish Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, Jewish Welfare Board’s Frank Weil Award for distinguished contributions to the Armed Services in1982, and Heart of Gold in 1999.
Broder was married to Ruth Kahn Broder and the father of four. He died on April 14, 2013.
Transcript
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Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. N. Brewster Broder Oral History Interview, June 28, 2004.