Remembering Herschel Rosenthal- A Leader and A Mensch

Herschel Rosenthal, 91, a former liberal Democratic State Assemblyman and State Senator from Los Angeles, passed away last Friday from complications from Pneumonia.

Rosenthal is remembered as a man of his word for his sincerity, public service, and support for the working class. He has been described as a family man, honest, forthright, and level-headed. He was a bastion of integrity in a profession that often lacks it.

Rosenthal grew up in St. Louis, learning Yiddish as his first language. When Levi Strauss and the great depression ran his father’s trade out of business, Rosenthal grew up living on public assistance. This experience helped guide his ideals towards supporting the independent working class, whom he was dedicated to his entire political career.

His granddaughter, Toba Hellerstein, of New York, says, “His big thing was representing the people... very egalitarian, so much pride in Los Angeles. Even when he became very ill he refused to leave the L.A. Apartment.”

Herschel Rosenthal was a dedicated public servant, and man of the people. He served in World War II, and owned a typesetting business prior to entering politics.

Rosenthal was also a dedicated civil rights activist. His granddaughter, Toba, adds, “he sent my mom to an all black school, just to prove a point during the time of civil rights.”

He is also remembered in the Los Angeles community as a fixture in Cantor’s Deli, looking out and saying, “these are my people.”

Rosenthal was elected to office eight consecutive times in Los Angeles from 1974 to 1994, retiring from his position due to term limits. He was then appointed to the state fair housing and employment commission, where he served until 2007.

“Hersh was a dedicated lawmaker who spent his life serving the public,” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenneger said in a written statement. “He was a true leader that was respected by all who knew him and California is a better place because of his service.

America could use more politicians with the integrity and level headedness of Herschel Rosenthal. He is a true mensch and will be sincerely missed.

Rosenthal is Survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia; son Joel Rosenthal; and Daughter Suzanne Hellerstein; and three granddaughters. 

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