Herschel Rosenthal Will Always Shape Our Lives for the Better

This Father’s Day, we’re honoring Herschel Rosenthal z”l, a loving patriarch and all around mensch.

Be it as president of Flagler Federal Savings and Loan or as a leader at Federation, the Alper JCC, UM, and Beth David Congregation, Herschel helped to shape South Florida.

What made Herschel’s contributions particularly enduring and effective was that he did everything with generosity, integrity, and a deep respect for every person he helped. For example, not only was he a past president at Beth David Congregation, but he was one of the first people to come to the rescue when shul had financial challenges. Thanks to him, we still have a Beth David family today.

Herschel also was devoted to the young. The magnitude of his contributions in this area is  reflected in the fact that Miami's last Maccabi Games in 2017 were named in Herschel’s honor.

Most importantly, Herschel cherished his family. As Rabbi Jacobs observed, he was a loving patriarch, and had a very special relationship with his son-in-law Stewart Appelrouth.

We reached out to Stewart — also a past president of Beth David — to learn a bit more about Herschel and about their relationship. Read on as Stewart expounds on the legacy and impact Herschel left for him, his family, and the Jewish community. 

Q: How did Herschel inspire you, and how did it affect your relationship with Judaism and your efforts at Beth David?

A: He inspired me daily! We spoke or met just about every day. His love of people was a great inspiration. Herschel understood people and was always there to help them, whether in business or personally. He did not care about the person's background or ethnicity, it was the inner person that counted.

Q: When someone asks about Herschel, what is one thing you want them to know about him?

A: I would want them to know he had a kind heart and a strong love for his family and friends. This might sound like a cliché, but if you knew him you would know that this is true.

Q: What are some ways Herschel helped the community and Beth David?

A: Herschel was a past president of Beth David Congregation. Herschel did not only lend his name to many civic functions, but was an active participant. Whether it was in the savings and loan industry, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, University of Miami or Beth David Congregation, Herschel was at the top of the leadership structure.

He always backed what he believed with his words and actions. The last Maccabi Games in Miami were named in his honor. When Beth David was in financial trouble, many years ago, he was one of the first people to step up to the plate. He was instrumental in keeping Beth David alive, so that we all have a Beth David family today. He grew up at Beth David and his memory will live long here.  

Q: What were some of the best lessons you learned from Herschel that you still practice and pass on today?

A: Herschel taught me that all people deserve respect and that you should treat all people as you would want to be treated. People of all ages loved him. At Herschel’s funeral, the main sanctuary at Beth David was packed. What was amazing is that there were people from all ethnic groups and ages at the services. Herschel was 87 years old when he passed away - many people at that age don’t have many friends to attend their funeral. The main sanctuary holds at least a thousand people and for Herschel there wasn’t enough room to hold all the attendees. 

I have two pictures behind my desk at my office, Herschel’s and my father’s. Two greater men have never walked the earth.

Herschel’s legacy of nurturing, inspiring, and uniting our community will continue at The Center for Jewish Life. Stewart and his family are going to carry on Herschel’s support of the Jewish community through selecting a naming opportunity at the new building in Herschel’s honor. 

In this, and in so many ways, may Herschel’s memory always be for a blessing.

To learn more about The Center for Jewish Life naming opportunities, contact us at info@centerforjewishlifemiami.org or click the button below.