Local Artist Creates Beautiful Tribute to the Late Jewish Community Leader Mitch Blumenthal

December 13, 2023 – Sarasota

Sarasota’s Jewish community was saddened last summer when Hershorin Schiff Community Day School’s Board Chair, Mitchell Blumenthal, passed away. Upon his death, a gift already in progress – a new cover for one of Community Day’s Sefer Torahs, in honor of the school’s new campus – became a fitting and touching tribute to Mitch and all he did for the school as well as the wider community.

Mitch’s parents, Richard and Barbara, commissioned the Torah cover to be created by local multimedia artist and seventh-grade language arts teacher Stephanie Cordone. The Blumenthals were like family to Cordone: they knew each other from their community back in New York and the Blumenthals inspired Cordone to move here 27 years ago.

Although not Jewish herself, Cordone built a needlepoint business in New York designing and making creations such as chuppahs, bimah chairs, ark door designs, Torah covers, tallit and more for numerous temples, in partnership with various Sisterhoods. Her very first Judaic commission was making a tallis bag for Mitch in New York in 1977. After he wore his tallis to shul, the word spread throughout the congregation – and beyond – and her part-time business grew.

Cordone drew her inspiration for the design of the Torah cover from the family’s love of tradition and Mitch’s well-known love of colorful fashion choices. The vibrant piece features elements such as the sun, water, Noah’s ark and various plant and animal life. In recognition of Mitch’s love of color and tie-dye, the lining of the Torah cover was made from tie-dye fabric. The Torah was first used during a touching Rosh Hashanah service at the school at which the Blumenthal family and Cordone were invited to participate.  

She feels honored that the Torah will be used at Community Day, where the core values of inclusion and kindness are so central to the school’s educational philosophy.

“It doesn’t matter what your background is, where you came from, what you look like or what you believe – we can all enjoy beautiful art and appreciate each other, regardless of our differences,” Cordone said. “At Community Day School, everyone is valued. That’s how I was brought up: we are all equal in the eyes of God.”

Cordone will be retiring from teaching this year and looks forward to continuing her creative pursuits. 

For more information about Cordone’s Judaica artwork or Community Day School, call 941-552-2770, ext. 212 or visit communityday.org.