Bernard Rothenberg

Bernard Rothenberg

Author: Shirley Wachtel January 18, 2021 Duration: 33:26

Bernard Rothenberg is a proud military veteran who was raised in Brooklyn, New York.  After starting as a young teen working in supermarkets, he later served in World War II and was in Leipzig, Germany at the time of liberation, April 19, 1945. He served his country for 21 months. Upon returning to the States and meeting his future wife, Evelyn, he married and the couple went on to raise two children. After 41 years of marriage and his wife’s passing, Bernie retired and became actively involved with Jewish War Veterans in Brooklyn, fundraising and educating students. He currently resides in New Jersey where he continues to speak in schools about his military experience and the lessons he has learned while serving this country. Even during the Covid crisis, this inspiring veteran has given talks to students via Zoom-- impressive for an almost 95- year- old!

We are sad to report that weeks after this interview was recorded, Bernie passed away on December 23, 2020. A brave veteran, beloved family man, he was truly an EXTRAordinary person. This is his last interview.


You might pass them on the street or sit next to them in a cafe, never knowing the depth of their journey. EXTRAordinary PEOPLE is built on a simple, powerful idea: remarkable stories are held by everyday individuals. Host Shirley Wachtel sits down with people from all walks of life-entrepreneurs, artists, community organizers, teachers, and quiet heroes-who have chosen to leverage their unique talents to impact the world around them. This isn't about celebrity; it's about the substance of lived experience. In each conversation, guests share their narratives in their own words, detailing the specific hardships and obstacles they faced and, more importantly, the resilience and choices that allowed them to rise and create change. Listening to this podcast feels like being part of an intimate, revealing dialogue where vulnerability meets triumph. Shirley guides these discussions with empathy, drawing out the nuanced lessons within each story. The result is a collection of authentic accounts that collectively explore themes of perseverance, innovation, and human connection across society, business, and personal growth. Tune in not just for inspiration, but for a genuine sense of what it means to contribute something meaningful, and how ordinary moments can build an extraordinary life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 44

EXTRAordinary PEOPLE
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