The True Meaning of Mensch

S. Grossman writes in with this poignant story:

"Gary-

It was wonderful seeing you again today. Attached is the picture of the sculpture you created for me and the story behind it:

My father passed away in 1976. When my mother opened his wallet, she found two $10 bills. She gave one bill to my brother and one to myself, asking us to find something meaningful to purchase in remembrance of my father. I carried that $10 bill for many months, looking for something special in his memory.

As I was walking through a local mall, I saw an arts and crafts show, and met Gary Rosenthal. I asked if a sculpture could be made of my father, sitting in his wheelchair, reading a book, under a tree, which is the image that I remembered most of my father in his later years. Gary said he could make the sculpture and he completed it in about a month's time. I went to his home to pick up the piece, and was brought to tears with the realistic image that had been created. I told Gary the story of the $10 bill that I had kept in my wallet and when I asked about the price of the sculpture, I planned to apply the $10 towards the purchase. To my astonishment Gary took the $10 bill and said the purchase was complete!

This piece is my most meaningful possession and Gary's good deed has never been forgotten. He is the true meaning of a mensch."

Happy Holidays 2008!

As we go into Hannukah, the Gary Rosenthal Collection would like to wish a happy Hannukah, a merry Christmas, a cool Kwanzaa and a happy New Year to one and all. Here at the GRC studio we just held our annual holiday party with food, fun, and gifts all around. We even had a Christmannukah tree! Gary cooked his famous latkes and everyone dug in to the bounty. We are all thankful that in tough times we are still getting by because of people like you who admire our work. Thank you!

December Birthdays

Greta - designer and glass artist, and Hamilton - webmaster and marketing coordinator, celebrate their December birthdays:
(Photo by Beth)

Create For A Cure

The Beth El Sisterhood in Yardley, PA, recently participated in a special Breast Cancer Hiddur Mitzvah event. We sent them the Hiddur Mitzvah kits free of charge for them to create the special pink glass we will use in the Breast Cancer items we sell. They then also had the option of buying the pieces we made with their glass. It was a great success all around. Here is a picture of Gary and crew with all of the pieces that came out of the project. If you are interested in a similar project contact the Gary Rosenthal Collection at 301-493-5577 or email Gary at garymrosenthal@aol.com.

December Update

We've all been busy here with the holidays almost on us, but busy is good! There hasn't been anything particularly interesting recently for me to write to you about. Things have been well at the studio. Greta and Hamilton did celebrate their December birthdays which was a nice change of pace. I will have to track down some photos of that day and get them up here for you. We also have our annual holiday party coming up soon which is sure to be fun. I would also like to report that there is an interesting new collection of sculpture in the works and I hope to be able to share more about those pieces with you soon! So for now this entry will have to serve as a "good things to come," placeholder until I have more exciting things to report. Never fear, excitement is surely on its way!

Gary Rosenthal In The News Again

I found this article on http://www.stltoday.com/. Mentions of the GRC are highlighted below:

Hanukkah decorations: Menorahs, dreidels brighten homes

Hanukkah decorations: Menorahs, dreidels brighten homesBlue coaster set features a dazzling design by Sudha embellished with semiprecious stones ($35) at Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac. - Playing with the dreidel is a traditional Hanukkah game. This deep blue dreidel ($75) at United Hebrew Congregation Gift Shop is designed by Gary Rosenthal. A variety of other styles, colors and sizes are available ($70 to $117). - Serve your favorite appetizer in this small glass serving dish ($20) at The Judaica Shop at Congregation B'nai Amoona, 324 South Mason Road. - Handmade multicolor glass artwork menorah with gold candle holders ($150) by Murano Traditions at The Judaica Shop at Congregation B'nai Amoona. - Fused-glass menorah ($162, in foreground) by Beames Designs at United Hebrew Congregation Gift Shop, 13788 Conway Road. (Max Ghersh/P-D)

WRITTEN BY KAREN DEERST.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/29/2008

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins this year at sundown Dec. 21.

The holiday is celebrated on eight successive nights by lighting a nine-branched candelabra called a menorah. During the festivities, children play with a spinning top called a dreidel. These items can be colorful and are offered in various styles, and they help brighten the home.

Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish Maccabees' military victory over the Greek-Syrians more than 2,000 years ago and the rededication of the Second Temple, which had been desecrated by the Greek-Syrians, to the worship of God.

Celebrating Hanukkah — Blue coaster set features a dazzling design by Sudha embellished with semiprecious stones ($35) at Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac. — Playing with the dreidel is a traditional Hanukkah game. This deep blue dreidel ($75) at United Hebrew Congregation Gift Shop is designed by Gary Rosenthal. A variety of other styles, colors and sizes are available ($70 to $117). — Serve your favorite appetizer in this small glass serving dish ($20) at The Judaica Shop at Congregation B'nai Amoona, 324 South Mason Road. — Handmade multicolor glass artwork menorah with gold candle holders ($150) by Murano Traditions at The Judaica Shop at Congregation B'nai Amoona. — Fused-glass menorah ($162, in foreground) by Beames Designs at United Hebrew Congregation Gift Shop, 13788 Conway Road.

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Celebrate Hanukkah at the Missouri Botanical Garden

WHAT — Chanukah: Festival of Lights

WHEN — Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 21

WHERE — Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard

COST — Included with Garden admission

More information — www.mobot.org or 314-577-9400

Happy Thanksgiving!

A happy slightly belated Thanksgiving to everyone from all of us at The Gary Rosenthal Collection! We hope your turkey day was filled with fun, food, and of course, lots of thanks. Even in these trying times there is a lot to be thankful for. At the GRC we are especially thankful that our work is appreciated and enjoyed by so many people! Welcome back from your holiday weekend and may the rest of your year be as stress free as possible!