Stuart Hertzberg
Interviewed by Charlotte Dubin
September 23, 2004
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Stuart Hertzberg
Video 00:46:04
Stuart Hertzberg
Audio 00:46:04
Abstract
In this interview, Stuart Hertzberg speaks about his parents, and his home life as a child. He briefly mentions his relationships with his grandparents. Hertzberg talks about his schooling, ending when he got out of the Military. He mentions that he was involved with Jewish activities at this time; he was a member of Habonim, Hashanir Hatzar, and the Jewish Boy Scouts.
Hertzberg talks about his experiences in the service at the end of World War II. He was in the Philippines for two years, during which he oversaw recreation and was editor of a newsletter.
After briefly speaking about his marriage, Hertzberg explains the career path that led him to become a prominent bankruptcy lawyer. He mentions some cases that stand out to him and explains that he mostly has worked with food companies. When asked what makes a skilled bankruptcy lawyer, Hertzberg talks about his experiences in politics.
Hertzberg speaks about how his first trip to Israel in 1967 is what got him involved in the Jewish community. He explains his involvement over the years; he was once President of the Jewish Vocational Service, and chair of the Attorney Division during the Allied Jewish Campaign. He also served on the board of directors, served as vice president and was chairman of many divisions over the years.
Hertzberg talks about his experience with Partnership 2000 and on the Israel and Overseas Committee, the Miracle Mission, and the Detroit Jewish Demographic Study.
Finally, Hertzberg talks about his children and their families, and his wife, Marilyn. The interview ends with Hertzberg outlining the challenges he believes the Jewish community faces and leaves some life lessons for his children.
History of Narrator
Stuart Hertzberg was born to Rachel and Barnett “Barney” Hertzberg. He received a law degree and earned a national reputation as a leading bankruptcy and reorganization attorney. Hertzberg was active in the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.
He was the founding co-chairmen of its Partnership 2000 steering committee, chaired the 1990 Demographic Study and the Community Services Division, and received the lifetime achievement award in 2006. He also served as president of JVS.
Hertzberg was also politically active, serving as a Democratic National Committeeman and Delegate-at-Large for Democratic National Conventions.
Stuart Hertzberg died November 4, 2013 at the age of 86.
Transcript
Important Subjects
Important Names
Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Stuart Hertzberg Oral History Interview, September 23, 2004.