Artist's Rendering of Planned Kristallnacht Wall

1938 when thousands of synagogues, businesses and homes were destroyed in a single night by the Germans. This night of devastation marked the beginning of the Holocaust.

Gary elaborates more on The Kristallnacht project on his blog as follows: “In remembrance of “The Night of Broken Glass,” we hope to create a memorial wall in honor of the millions who lost their lives during the Holocaust. In the same way as the Hiddur Mitzvah Project, people all over the country, and perhaps the world, will design one foot square glass tiles, some with a white border and some with black. These will then be fused solid and put together into one wall, symbolically putting back together the shards of that broken time. The black represents

the evil of the past and the white represents the good hope of the future. There is always some good and always some bad as the design shows. The final wall will be displayed for all to see.” The location of the finished Kristallnacht Wall is yet to be determined.  It is Gary’s

ultimate hope to establish a database of information about the synagogues that were lost that dark night, so that they will never be forgotten.

Gary welcomes individuals and groups to create mosaic glass panels that will ultimately become part of the

larger Kristallnacht wall. Another interesting aspect of the program is that Gary is giving away a free candlestick kit to Holocaust survivors. The finished kits are returned to Gary for final assembly and then returned to the survivor. The only charge is $18 for shipping and processing.

To read more about Gary’s inspiring project, see his Kristallnacht project website.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — Gary Rosenthal is the busiest worker bee in the hive! He is always creating something new or getting involved a new charitable cause. I thought I’d give you an update on what’s new with Gary Rosenthal.

New Gary Rosenthal Interview

Yesterday, Risa updated our Gary Rosenthal Interview. We all know Gary Rosenthal is an incredibly talented artist but, what sometimes gets overlooked, is what a catalyst he is for being involved in service to the community. Gary created a foundation, aptly named Art as a Catalyst, to use art as an engine for social change and community involvement.

In the interview, Gary discusses a new line of woven Judaica that he is producing with the help of two autistic workers in his studio. Gary says, “I like to say that all of my staff/associates do what they do better than I would do. No where is this clearer than with my autistic associates. Everyone is different, but John and Tim love to work on repetitive tasks where precision is critical. Weaving is a favorite task and the more the better. After the mezuzahs were so successful, I was determined to create more woven items so that eventually I could hire another autistic staffer for just that collection. That is still my hope.”

Gary Rosenthal has worked with the Autism Society of America in the past, so this is clearly a cause that is near and dear to his heart. Gary’s beautiful woven pieces are certainly popular! Let’s hope Gary is able to fulfill his dream of hiring more autistic staffers. Giving work to those with special needs is really a noble cause.

Gary Rosenthal Musical Jewish Gifts!

Gary Rosenthal has launched some new products that I am incredibly excited to tell you about! Gary has added a line of musically themed Jewish gifts! The pieces are comprised of musical notes and are so unique! He has created Gary Rosenthal mezuzahs, menorahs and dreidels which are stunning!

I can think of so many occasions that this would be perfect for! This would be a great Jewish gift for a music teacher, someone getting a degree in music, a service award for an organist at a temple, or a Bar or Bat mitzvah kid that walks around with an Ipod day and night! I am so glad that Gary branched out into musical Jewish gifts and I know that our customers will just love them!

Gary Rosenthal New Orleans Streetcar Tzedakah Project

Gary Rosenthal has also been busy working on other charitable causes as well, in particular the New Orleans Streetcar Tzedakah Project. His special tzedakah box is created in the likeness of New Orleans’ famous streetcars and was commissioned by a member of the New Orleans Jewish community to thank those many friends of New Orleans who have contributed their time, energy, and financial resources to rebuild the community.

Some of the Gary Rosenthal Streetcars will be given as gifts to deserving individuals, while others will be made available for sale as a way to raise funds to be donated to a worthy New Orleans charity. Gary Rosenthal will donate 10% of his proceeds from the sale of each of these tzedakah boxes to the New Orleans Jewish Federation. Each tzedakah box is signed and numbered by Gary Rosenthal.

Actor Henry Winkler Receives Gary Rosenthal Collection Award

Next I’d like to tell you about a bit of older Gary Rosenthal news that I just heard about. For those of you who are big fans of Henry Winkler, better know as “The Fonz” from the old Happy Days show, you’ll be interested to know that he was presented with the Inspiration Award for his dedication to the Jewish community throughout his career. What better way to thank him than by presenting him with an award created by artist Gary Rosenthal! How great!  Here he is pictured with his award.  What an honor for both Henry and Gary!

FREE Gift With Every Purchase Over $100! A GARY ROSENTHAL DREIDEL!

Jewish Gift Place is giving away a gorgeous Gary Rosenthal Dreidel as a gift with every purchase over $100! This is a $20 value so take advantage of this special!

See you next time!