I am so sorry to read that Professor Druks has passed away. He was one of the most inspiring teachers in my Brooklyn College experience. He inspired my research on the Holocaust, examining when Americans first knew about it and what they did in response (very little). The class and the books we read were very formative in my experience. He was a first class researcher and teacher, and he will be missed.

What a loss that I just discovered! Herb was a warm, loving, caring, brilliant teacher and colleague. He was person who really cared and a great scholar. Too bad that we had not been connected for so long. Maybe next time.

My dear colleague, Amir Nakash, It's the strangest thing. You were compelled to search for our old former professor, Dr. Druks. and so was I!

I am listening to Elie Wiesel's book Night (ebook). I first read this book in the Summer of 1974 in Dr. Druk's The Holocaust Period course at Brooklyn College. I've also read it since. A memorable book. A memorable class. A very beloved professor!

It was probably the most intense courses I had ever taken - before or since. The lectures - so inclusive and the great depth. The reading. That course was more than just a positive academic experience. The course was personally and spiritually transformative. 

I had hoped to be able to communicate directly with my beloved Professor, who had made such a tremendous impact in my life. I have gone far, in so many ways, since then; but Professor Druks has always been a very present person in my life. Now, I too, am a professor (of psychology - adjunct); I've been ordained as a Rabbi. I've worked in the human services.  Dr Druks has been a very strong positive influence in my life. I remember once walking in to the building for The Jewish Agency in New York City to get Aliyah information. There was a sign in the lobby announcing that Dr. Druks was going to be speaking there that day. A fortuitous coincidence - if there is such a thing.

On a more personal level, Dr. Druks was a kind and patient teacher. Always willing to take the time to listen; to have a warm conversation with a student, or a former student. He made my Jewish identity come alive for me. He brought Jewish history to life for me!

I will say Kaddish for you, Doctor Druks. I will never forget you and I will keep your memory alive. To your family: May Hashem always comfort you. 

I was a student of Herbert Druks. I enrolled in  every course he offered in Brooklyn College between 1999-2001. Listening to him  lecture  was like  listening to George Page on Nature, except that in person he would stop and make the funniest comments based on either a student’s behavior or just something he simply noticed outside the window. I was once eating a Fruit by the Foot roll up  “uncut” with the empty paper hanging from my mouth as I was taking notes. He once stopped lecturing and asked “what they hell is hanging out of your mouth?” A few times during attendance when he called on me, he looked up and said “damn you for being so handsome.” He must have noticed my interest in someone in  class and was just being an amazing wing-man. His memory came to mind today for some strange reason. I searched his name I was find that he passed away 3 years ago. I searched him name so I could somehow reach out and convey how much I  enjoyed his lectures and that I learned so much about Jewish history from him. I wrote down every word every day in class. I still have my notes in my parent’s house I Brooklyn.  I will still be able to hear his voice as read through them. 

OBITUARY

Herbert Druks

April 1, 1937 – December 17, 2017

Riverside-Nassau North Chapels

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