The Albert and Pauline Dubin Oral History Archives
This collection includes stories from influential leaders, philanthropists, and those who have helped to shape the Detroit Jewish community.
Interviews
Penny Blumenstein
In this interview, Penny Blumenstein discusses her early childhood; the influence of her parents and grandparents, and the friends she made and kept throughout her life. She mentions that though she did not have much of a Jewish education growing up, she grew up as a member of Congregation Shaarey Zedek and she volunteered with her mother every year in the March of Dimes.
Matilda “Tillie” Brandwine
In this interview, Matilda “Tillie” Brandwine mentions her family’s immigration to Detroit after hearing that Henry Ford was paying $5 a day. When speaking about her childhood and the neighborhood she grew up in, she says that the neighborhood was not predominantly Jewish. As more Jewish families moved in, her parents and others in the community began organizing and fundraising for a shul.
Ruth Broder
Ruth Broder speaks about the immigration of both her mother’s and father’s side of her family, and briefly mentions her early childhood memories of her family members. She mentions that the Marx family, from her mother’s side may be the largest Jewish family in Michigan. She relates some memories of visiting her uncle in Oscoda, MI.
N. Brewster Broder
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.
Celia Broder (Audio Only)
This interview begins with Celia Broder’s biographical history. She discusses her family and growing up in Detroit, as well as her children. She speaks about Detroit’s Jewish population and migration, and social services offered in the community. She talks specifically about North End Clinic, Sinai Hospital, and the Young Women’s Hebrew Association, all in which she was involved.
Judith Cantor
The interview begins with a history of Judith Cantor’s family, starting with the Keiden family on her maternal side and her father’s father, Rabbi Judah Levin. She speaks about Rabbi Levin coming to Detroit, leading a march to help fund a Jewish hospital and convening the first meeting of American Orthodox rabbis.
Manny Charach (Part 1)
Manny Charach discusses his grandmother’s journey to North America and his family life growing up in Pittsburgh. He touches on his time spent in the Army and meeting his wife, Natalie. This interview covers his early career in different sales positions and the founding of his own company, Manny Charach Associates.
Manny Charach (Part 2)
Manny Charach discusses briefly his business relationship with S.S. Kresge Company and Kmart. The bulk of the interview focuses on his philanthropic work.
Natalie Charach
In this interview, Natalie Charach talks about her parents, and her memories of growing up in a German neighborhood in Pittsburgh. Her mother was widowed and owned a small a cafe which she explains was boycotted, causing them to move to Detroit where her mother worked at a bridal shop. She speaks about some of the issues that her mother, as a single widowed woman had in getting an apartment.
Susie Citrin
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.
Sponsorship
This collection is generously supported by the Albert and Pauline Dubin Oral History Archive fund.
Usage Rules
The Archive prohibits use of the oral history interviews in any way that infringes on individual right to privacy or results in libelous statements or slander, in accordance with U.S. law.
Copyright to the recorded interview(s) and/or subsequent transcript(s) of such remains with the Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Please use the following citation format:
© Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. [Name of Subject] Oral History Interview, [Date of Interview].