Disciplines

Jewish Studies

Abstract

Elliot Hendler is a lifelong Bronx resident, born during the Great Depression in 1935. He moved to various addresses throughout his childhood, having lived on 172nd Street and Washington Avenue, 169th Street and Washington Avenue, and 170th and Townsend Avenue. Describing his childhood neighborhood as “bad” and marked by crime, he details his experiences with violence and vandalism. When he married his wife, Libby, in 1958, they moved to an apartment on 205th Street, and in 1969 moved to Co-op City, where they have lived ever since. Together, they have two children and two grandchildren.

Hendler details his impressive educational journey from PS 2 to Bronx Science to City College. Having excelled in school, he continued his studies as a chemistry major at City College. Switching majors two years in, he decided to study accounting, kickstarting his public accounting career. He recalls his religious upbringing in a kosher household, attending Orthodox shuls and Hebrew school at the Bronx Y. As an adult, he attended a Conservative synagogue and was active in the Jewish community, serving as treasurer of the Co-op City Jewish Center. Describing his family life, he talks about his family’s struggles growing up, including tensions with his mother and his sister’s developmental challenges. He also reflects on his 66-year marriage, raising his kids Jewish, and celebrating the High Holidays with his daughter.

Anecdotal signs of World War II were present in Hendler’s day-to-day life, recalling foul balls being dedicated to soldiers at baseball games and the headlines about Pearl Harbor hitting the Daily News. He notes the unrest and discomfort in his circles during the Vietnam War, though he was past the drafting age at the time.

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