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!