BROOKLYN (VINnews/SandyEller) — Judge Rachel Freier, the first Hasidic individual to be elected a Civil Court judge in New York, has made history once again, this time by being appointed New York’s first Hasidic Acting New York State Supreme Court justice.
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Freier had previously thrown her hat in the ring this past summer in the hopes of being nominated as a candidate to fill one of ten open seats in Kings County Supreme Court, as previously reported on VIN News.
While a judicial screening committee gave Freier’s candidacy their stamp of approval, Brooklyn district leaders chose not to include her on their list of nominees whose names ultimately appeared on the Democratic ballot for last November’s general elections.
Understanding that there are also opportunities for Civil Court judges to be appointed as Acting State Supreme Court justices on a merit basis when a determination is made that additional judges are needed at that level, Freier submitted her resume to the Supreme Court supervisor to be considered for one of those additional positions.
She underwent an interview, and was told that decisions would be made before the end of the year by the chief administrative judge in consultation with the deputy chief administrative judge for New York City, without actually expecting to be chosen.
“But then lo and behold, as I was preparing my Shabbos candles on December 30th, I got a phone call from someone saying ‘Mazel tov, you’ve been appointed,’” Freier told VIN News. “It was ten minutes before Shabbos and I checked my email and saw that it had really happened.”
Freier began her work as an Acting Supreme Court Judge on January 3rd. She has the ability to remain in that position at her supervisor’s discretion for the remaining four years of her term as a Civil Court judge, or can choose to run in the August primary in the hopes that she will make it onto the November ballot and be elected a Supreme Court justice, a position that comes with a 14 year term.
Becoming New York’s first Hasidic Supreme Court justice has been a surreal experience for Freier who is grateful to her supervisor for giving her the opportunity to sit on the Brooklyn Supreme Court bench.
“Trailblazing comes in many shapes and forms,” said state court spokesperson Lucian Chalfen. “Justice Rachel Freier clearly has been a trailblazer throughout her life and career and the Judiciary is fortunate to have someone with her knowledge, awareness and compassion represent it to the people of New York State.”
She is an amazing role model. Behind every great woman stands a husband and family who helped her get there. Kol Hakavod to all of you.Don’t forget to vote because voting helps you contribute to her success and the power of the community.
Mazel Yov Judge Ruchie!!
Ali V’Hatzlichi!!
That’s right Ruchie ! Don’t listen to anyone who thinks women can’t be qualified as judges .
Until now there was no Chasidic person on the NY State Supreme Court bench, which makes a huge difference when a Chasidic Jew has a court case in Supreme Court, any other judge won’t understand his needs and he would not have a fair trial, Now the Chasidic Jewish community got representation on Supreme Court with mrs. Frier, which brings True diversity and equity to the Supreme Court, and will ensure that Chasidim who end up in court have a fair trial, what an achievement for the Chasidic community.
B”H there is another person in the court system be a positive role model to the other judges and personnel in being balanced and refraining from biased and unjust perspectives.
May she be a guiding light to all those around her.
Mazal Tov!
Maybe u will become the first female Jewish Pres. Of USA
You can help make America great again through morals, and ethics
Kol hakavod, Judge Freier, keep on making us proud !!!
She is not the first of Hasidic background in such a position. She was preceded by multiple others (Dear, Schmidt, etc.), however, those others did not wear their Hasidism on their sleeve), so it was not as known to people, broadly speaking.
Many centuries ago, G*D arranged for Esther to become the Queen of Achashverosh, to save the Jewish people.
Maybe G*D arranged for Rachel Freier to become a judge, so she can save Jewish people, like Esther?
Kol HaKavod ,
היא שופטה את ישראל בעת ההיא
In the video, she talks about judging everybody favorably, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt.
We have enough naive liberals in the system already, we don’t need more naivete, especially in the crime wave we are in now. I hope she is up to the job, and won’t be taken for a ride.
Kyrie Irving go out of tristate in nick of time with his move to Dallas.
She wasn’t on the ballot becasue the democrats can’t stand orthodox Jews.
I hope she puts what is important first: her children and husband.
Queen Elizabeth was a great monarch, but lousy mother and her family is suffering from neglect.
I hope Judge Ruchi does much better.
Suggestion: legally change your name from Freier to Frumer
apparently if you are a talented qualified judge you can make to the top in NYC, no matter if you are a Jew, no matter Hasidic Jew no matter if you are a Hasidic Jewish woman!..
she faced no resistance, no anti-semitsm. none.
the same cannot be said about the nasty campaign waged against her by Chasidim no less laudable organization Ezras Nashim
She is a graduate of a regular Bais Yankev, not a Hasidic school.
What will her Honor do if the litigants are practicing Jews who are prohibited by the Torah from litigating in the secular court?