Special Collections & Archives
S. E. Wimberly Library

At an afternoon reception on Thursday, May 15, 2003, the Molly S. Fraiberg Judaica Collections celebrated the one millionth visitor to Seymour Sy Brody’s Jewish Heroes “virtual exhibit” web site. Edwin Goldwasser, President of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, spoke on the often overlooked, but continuous and critical contribution made by Jewish heroes throughout the history of the US. Brody spoke about the request from a fellow educator that sparked the beginning of this project, and the resources and cooperation from other researchers that contributed to its success. He also talked about his publisher’s series of books on minority heroes that has followed in the footsteps of his own effort.

Sy Brody speaking at his reception.

Opening May 1997 on the Fraiberg Judaica home page, the virtual exhibits are titled: Jewish Heroes and Heroines from Colonial times to 1900, Jewish Heroes and Heroines from 1900 to World War II, Jewish Heroes and Heroines from World War II to the Present, and Jewish Recipients of the Medal of Honor. The 172 illustrated articles in the four exhibits are from the book, Jewish Heroes and Heroines of America, written by Brody, of Delray Beach, and illustrated by Art Seiden, of Woodmere, New York.

The exhibits depict the contributions, sacrifices and bravery of America's Jewish heroes and heroines, from colonial times to the present, in peace and in war. American Jewish religious and non-sectarian schools use them as a guide to teach their students about the role American Jews played in building and defending the country. As students peruse the articles and illustrations, they see the great contributions and sacrifices that Jews have made.

Dr. William Miller, Director of the FAU Libraries presents Sy Brody with his certificate.

Brody receives e-mails, faxes and telephone calls from around the world responding to the exhibits with comments and requests for more information for writing projects, family trees, and other research. Messages have come from all over the US, as well as from England, Israel, Australia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Romania, South Africa.

A typical e-mail received by Brody reads: "My name is Laura. I live in London and I am ten years old. I am writing a school project on Mark Spitz, who I believe is the greatest swimmer ever. Do you have more information on him?” Brody answers all of the e-mails and faxes that he receives. If students want information, he refers them to the reference desk of their local library so that they can develop researching skills necessary to succeed in school and in adult life. Many times he has received an e-mail from a parent who says, "Thank you, and I will take my child to the library tomorrow."

Jewish War Veterans

Poster sized reproductions of a sampling of the virtual exhibits are on display through the end of May, and may be viewed by appointment between 10am and 2pm Monday through Thursday. The Fraiberg Judaica Collections are located on the fifth floor of FAU’s Wimberly Library, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. For information, e-mail LYSCA@fau.edu or phone (561)297-3787. The entire virtual exhibit may be viewed at http://www.fau.edu/library/depts/judaica9.htm.