Local Luminary: Golda Brunhild

Long-time Tampa Jewish community member Golda Brunhild recently published "Mishbucha: The Family," a fictional biography about four generations of family lovingly bonded together in times of hardship and happiness. Read on to find out more about Brunhild's experience writing the book - and buy your copy today! 100% of all proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Tampa JCC and Federation.

"I must tell you that I discovered a true joy in writing this work of love," Brunhild said. "It was amazing, but in doing so, I realized an actual connection to those I lost so long ago. Or perhaps in some cases, never even really knew. Prior to this endeavor I truly had no appreciation of the difficult lives of my grandparents and my parents: the years of tribulation, the heartbreaks, and yes, even the deep happiness that must have existed within their existence. More than a history of my antecedents, it became a journey through their eyes and into their souls." 

Q. This book is a "fictional biography." Tell us more about what that means.

A. This book was written basically for my family: children, grandchildren, and cousins. My cousins, being of the same generation, heard many of these stories during their own lifetimes from numerous sources. I am sure there are many versions of the same family legends, but these are the ones with which I am acquainted. Also passed down were small bits and pieces of stories, a few words or maybe a short sentence. Obviously, two lines do not make a “Tale”—fill-in is necessary. So, “I filled.” This is the portion I would call “Fictional.”

Q. Why did you decide to write about your "Mishbucha"?

A. My grandchildren are at an age when they have questions about who they are and from “whence” they come. Our own family history is no more interesting than millions of other immigrant families, except, that is, to their own descendents. I simply wanted to pass on the heritage of our ancestors. Also, at the age of ten, I lived a year with my grandparents. At that time I became enthralled with the many loving tales imparted by my wonderful “Grandma Sara.” Many of my own generation know nothing of these. I felt an obligation to pass them on.

Q. How did you capture your family's stories? When did you first start thinking about writing about your family?

A. Everyone seems to feel they have “a book” inside of them—so many of us love to write, so few find the opportunity. After thirty-five years in business, I retired. Now what? I tried card games, and constantly lost. I tried luncheons, and gained twenty pounds. I tried painting, and created…a mess. So, now, at almost eighty years of age, I decided to write. It worked. I love it.

Q. What do you wish you knew about your family that you don't know?

A. I know so little about my father’s family (“Mishbucha” is the story of my mother’s family.) I wish I knew more of their history.

Q. What did you learn about genealogy and your family history through the process of writing this book?

A. I joined the Tampa Bay Jewish Genealogical Society, and ancestors.com plus I took a course at the USF Seniors in Retirement Program. I did this in an effort to fill in the blanks of “Mishbucha,” and to learn something of my father’s and husband’s families. There is still so much to be discovered.

Q. You are a member of the Florida Writers Critique Group. Tell us what role they played in the development of your book.

A. Oh my! The answer to that question would fill a book of its own. I joined the Florida Writers Association on a whim, and it may have been the smartest move of all. The organization provides materials and guidance to all interested writers. There are monthly speakers as well as an annual conference with excellent lecturers, classes and forums. My particular critique group meets twice monthly at the local Barnes and Nobles. At that time we each submit twenty pages of manuscript to be critiqued by our associates. Each group has a leader, someone with an established background in writing. My particular leader, Gene Cropsey, has been invaluable in providing me the tools for my joyful endeavor. I’ve discovered my own two secrets to writing: The first is, DO IT AND STICK WITH IT. Attending the FWA meetings semi-monthly provided the impetus to make sure those twenty pages were continuously available to share with others. The second is, to work with those who offer positive criticism. Negative criticism is emotionally destructive—it kills creativity.

Q. What tips do you have for anyone who is trying to learn more about their family history?

A. ASK QUESTIONS! NOW! One of the saddest comments I hear from others is, “I wish I had asked and listened.” It seems for some reason, so many of us, men especially, don’t relate their family histories down to their offspring. Also, a vast majority don’t seem interested in learning from their elder family members until they are gone. So often in our later years, a child begins to question. We need to be able to impart the information they are seeking. Also, for those with a real interest in learning more about their families, we are fortunate to be living in the age of computers. An enormous amount of factual information is now available on ancestry.com, as well as jewishgen.com. These sites, as well as others, are filled with material about those who came before us. There is one caveat—you have to be willing to play detective. The answers are often there—you simply must dig for them.

Q: Why are you donating the proceeds from the sale of your book?
A: Ever since my teen years in Los Angeles, and the establishment of the New State of Israel in 1947, I have been the proud owner of what is known as a “Jewish Soul.” Over the years my heart and body, as well as my purse have been open and available to the synagogue and the Jewish Community. Through the difficult years of the depression and WWII, my parents were unwavering in their concern for Jewish causes. Through the few pennies with which they could part, they taught me the true meaning of the word, “Tzedakah.” It is in honor of their memory that I donate all receipts from the sales of my book to the Tampa JCC and Federation.