Robert Slatkin
Interviewed by Sharon Alterman
August 3, 2005
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Robert Slatkin
Video 00:47:47
Robert Slatkin
Audio 00:47:47
Abstract
In this oral history interview, Robert Slatkin talks about his childhood home. He speaks about growing up in an assimilated household and received only informal Jewish education from being part of a group affiliated with the Jewish Community Center as a teen. This combined with his first trip to Israel helped form his Jewish education.
Slatkin mentions his stint as president of the Junior Division of Federation and how he forged a special relationship with Rabbi Monte Syme. He speaks at length about his children and family. He also speaks about his time in the Jewish Community Center’s Young Adult Division Liaison Program, and eventually how he became part of the executive committee.
During his time on the executive committee, Slatkin talks about his various projects, such as the Neighborhood Project. He mentions the Orthodox community in reference to the JCC. From here, Slatkin discusses his time as co-chair of the Real Estate and Property Management Division of Federation, as well as being a co-chairman of the Allied Jewish Campaign. He speaks about the mentors he had at this time.
Slatkin speaks about his time as president of the United Jewish Foundation. He explains the programs and funds he was involved in setting up during this time. Finally, he discusses the renovations of JCC buildings he had a hand in over the years, as well as a World War II Veterans exhibit.
History of Narrator
Robert Slatkin was born in Detroit, Michigan to Adolph and Esther Slatkin. He has a long and distinguished record of service to the Jewish community of Metropolitan Detroit, including as president of the United Jewish Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit, past chairman of the Allied Jewish Campaign, past president of the Jewish Community Center, past co-chair of the Federation’s Real Estate & Property Management Committee, and past president of the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation. With his wife Donna, he created the Robert and Donna Slatkin Jewish Life Fund.
Slatkin is the recipient of the 1972 William H. Boesky Memorial Award, the 1977 Frank A. Wetsman Award for leadership, and the 2009 Fred M. Butzel Memorial Award.
Transcript
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Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Robert Slatkin Oral History Interview, August 3, 2005.