Rite Lite Ltd. - Our Story

It is amazing what a person can do to better the world... with the "rite" light. Take the late Jacob Rosenthal, of blessed memory, founder of RITE LITE LTD., who literally turned a little candle light into a thriving family business which has filled Jewish homes worldwide with meaningful Judaica for over five decades.

After the Holocaust, Mr. Rosenthal fled with his wife, Miriam, to America through Ellis Island and settled in Brooklyn. Attempting to resume his lumber merchant career, he found the trade closed to those who would not work on Saturdays. "But giving up the Sabbath was out of the question for us," recalls Miriam, "and so, for two years, he searched until another path emerged." Along with his unbending faith, Mr. Rosenthal brought with him an idea that would spark his entrance into the Judaica field. He would reproduce a European novelty - a tubular, metal spring-loaded candleholder, which was later called the 'Rite Lite'.

One fateful day, Mr. Rosenthal took his idea to the Lower East Side workshop of a man equipped to turn his dream into a reality. There he found Murray Zuckerman producing menorahs; the rest, as they say, is history. Starting with the original "Rite Lite" automatic candleholder and 4 or 5 menorahs, the two formed a partnership and began selling their Judaica line. Alex Rosenthal, fondly remembers sharing his father's road trips: "We used to travel together, bringing our 'bag of goodies' to a few small 'mom and pop' shops. My father was a great mentor for business and for life."

Now, more than 50 years later, Miriam a.k.a. 'Grandma', son Alex, daughter-in-law Helene, and grandchildren Nathan and Aviva, continue carrying the "Rite Lite" torch, selling a very complete selection of Judaica for all seasons and all occasions. We want to thank all of our retailers for being part of our family over the years and for continuing to help us spread the "Rite" light to people everywhere.

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Rite Lite Ltd. - Our Story