Richard Krugel
Interviewed by Michael Berke
February 20, 2005
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Richard Krugel
Video 01:39:25
Richard Krugel
Audio 01:39:25
Abstract
In this interview, Richard Krugel first speaks briefly about his parents and grandparent’s history, and how they all immigrated and ended up setting in Detroit. He talks about his childhood and growing up in Detroit. He talks about how important Fresh Air Camp was to him and goes on to explain that he became President of Fresh Air Society in 1985.
When asked about his religious upbringing, Krugel says that though while he was growing up, they belonged to an Orthodox Synagogue, they were not Orthodox. He went to United Hebrew Schools and grew up Conservative. He talks about his bar mitzvah at Beth Aaron and speaks about Shabbat dinners every Friday night.
From here, Krugel talks about his college days, and his decision to go into medical school. He talks about Jewish activities, and fraternities and sororities at the time he was going to college. Next, he speaks about Jewish education for children, and he thoughts about how to keep them active and a part of the community.
Here, he goes more in depth about his college career, and what led him into becoming a surgeon. He speaks about his time in the Air Force, being stationed in both Brooklyn and Montgomery, Alabama. Krugel then talks about his wife, Sally, and how they met and began dating. He then speaks at length about his children and grandchildren.
Krugel goes into detail about his Jewish community activities, especially how he became involved with the Jewish Federation. He relates how he gave his first gift in Montgomery, Alabama after hearing about the Yom Kippur war. It was later when he moved back to Detroit that he really became involved.
This topic of conversation leads into the many trips Krugel and his family have taken to Israel over the years, the first being the UJA mission, This Year in Jerusalem. He was asked for join the Young Leadership Cabinet and from here, made many trips to Israel. He speaks dearly of friends he had made and kept from Israel.
Krugel then speaks about Sally’s involvements with the community, including her being a part of the Wexner Group, and mentions that he had become the president of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
Krugel speaks more about the Israel trips and explains how important he believes them to be and speaks much about the importance of education in this matter. He talks about Birthright.
Finally, Krugel explains relations with the Islamic and Chaldean communities and on Project Chessed, a program to help those without heath care.
History of Narrator
Richard Krugel was born February 14, 1943 to Ben and Jenny Krugel. Raised in Detroit, he grew up in the Dexter Davidson area and northwest Detroit, graduating from Mumford High School. As a young adult, he attended fresh air camp. Its impact on him led to joining the Fresh Air Society board, eventually becoming president in 1985.
Krugel attended University of Michigan and received his medical degree in 1967, becoming a board certified orthopedic surgeon. While at the University of Michigan, he met his wife Sally.
After several out-of-state positions, Krugel and his family returned to Detroit. In 1976, he took part in the United Jewish Appeal Mission called This Year in Jerusalem. He went on to join UJA’s Young Leadership Cabinet. Krugel also participated in the Wexner Leadership Program and joined the board of Jewish Community Relations Council. He is a recipient of Federation’s Butzel Award for community service.
Transcript
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Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Richard Krugel Oral History Interview, February 20, 2005.