HISTORIC: Six Orthodox Jews Now Serving in Albany

NEW YORK (VINnews) — While the major focus of Election Day was on the crucial presidential race, the orthodox Jewish community in New York has a lot to celebrate.

A record six religious Jews are now serving in the New York State legislature, representing a large swathe of the Orthodox communities in the state.

“In a historic first, the New York State legislature will now have six yarmulke wearing members, something that would have been unheard of years ago,” Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, director of government relations at Agudath Israel of America, told JNS.

These six men were elected to the legislature:

State Senator Simcha Felder, representing a large section of Brooklyn. Simcha served in the City Council, and as Deputy Comptroller for Budget, Accounting, Administration and Information Technology in the New York City Comptroller’s Office.

Simcha Eichenstein remains an Assembly Member for District 48, representing Borough Park, Kensington and Midwood. He’s a lifelong resident of Boro Park.

Kalman Yeger was elected to the NY State Assembly, representing sections of Brooklyn, after serving as NYC Councilman for years.

Assemblyman Sam Berger was elected in a 2023 special election to replace Daniel Rosenthal in Queens.

Ari Brown was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election on April 7, 2022. He lives in Cedarhurst.

Aron Wieder, formerly of the Rockland County Legislature, was elected to the NY State Assembly.