Mamdani Won: Now What?

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

What was unthinkable a short while ago has happened – Zohran Mamdani has ascended to the mayoralty of New York City.  Despite the efforts of our askanim to get out the vote things have gone quite south.  Many are fearful that the repercussions for the Jewish community—religious and secular alike—will be catastrophic, despite the mayor-elect’s words of unity. “This is not exaggeration; it is reality,” they are saying.

Under such a regime, Torah institutions and Jewish life in New York could face unprecedented challenges. History has taught us that when those sympathetic to radical, anti-Israel, or anti-religious ideologies gain power, the results for our people are chillingly predictable: the erosion of safety, the silencing of our voice, and the slow constriction of Torah life.

The Dire Predictions

Mamdani has aligned himself repeatedly with those who demonize Israel and distort Jewish identity. As mayor, such attitudes could easily find their way into city policy, education, and law enforcement. Jewish students could be made to feel unwelcome in schools, colleges, and any place else that teaches biased “colonial narratives.” Jewish institutions—yeshivos, shuls, community centers—might face bureaucratic strangulation through “equity audits” and funding reviews. The funding for security guards at our Yeshivos may be in danger.

Once the tone at the top changes, the entire social climate follows. Words that were once unthinkable to utter in public become mainstream. Jewish businesses could face boycotts; mezuzos might again be removed in fear. The police, already overstretched, might hesitate to protect visibly Jewish neighborhoods when those very neighborhoods are labeled “privileged enclaves.”

As we saw in Europe and in certain American cities, hostility toward Israel soon translates into hostility toward Jews themselves. Charities with ties to Eretz Yisrael might lose tax status; yeshivos could face “oversight” meant to pressure them into conformity. Even eruvin and zoning approvals—taken for granted for decades—could be weaponized against the observant community.

Beyond the physical and political dangers, there lies a deeper one: the slow corrosion of moral clarity. When those who hate kedushah gain cultural authority, values flip upside-down. What was once holy becomes mocked; what was once shameful becomes celebrated. Without Torah fortification, our children’s souls are exposed to the winds of confusion and cynicism.

To Avert the Coming Cataclysm

We must not, however, respond with fear. The Torah gives us tools of spiritual resilience that have preserved us in every galus—from Mitzrayim to Bavel to Soviet oppression. Rav Shalom Meir Yungerman zatzal, talmid of Rav Meir Chodosh zatzal and founder of many Torah institutions in Zichron Yaakov, outlined three eternal solutions (see Mimeged Shamayim, p. 62).

If we embark upon them and strengthen them – then all will be good.

Solution #1: Daven – The First Step is Tefillah

The Gemara (Niddah 70b) asks: “How does one become wise?” The answer: study more and work less. But the Gemara adds—many tried and failed! Why? Because wisdom, protection, and salvation come only from Hashem: “Hashem gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Mishlei 2:6).

In times when decrees hover over us, the first obligation is heartfelt prayer. Tehillim should resound in every beis midrash, every kitchen, every commute. Let us plead for rachamei Shamayim—that Hashem protect His people from the schemes of those who would undermine us.

Solution #2: Accept Upon Ourselves the Ohl Torah – The Yoke of Torah

Pirkei Avos (3:5) teaches: “Whoever accepts the yoke of Torah will be spared the yoke of government and the yoke of worldly duties.” Hashem Himself removes the distractions and anxieties of the outside world when we embrace His Torah with complete devotion.

The Chinuch (Mitzvah 419) promises that one who bears this yoke “will receive a blessing from Heaven; his burdens will be lightened and he will live with joy.” Rav Chaim Volozhin (Nefesh HaChaim, 4:29) affirms that the measure of our protection corresponds precisely to the depth of our acceptance of Torah.

When governments turn hostile, Torah becomes our fortress. If we deepen our learning and strengthen our yeshivos, we build spiritual “iron domes” above our cities.

Solution #3: Guard Against Bitul Torah at Night

Chazal teach (Eruvin 58a) that “the moon was created for Torah study.” Nighttime learning carries unique power to overturn decrees. Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 238) warns that wasting the night is no small matter; the Gemara in Sanhedrin 92a states that any house where Torah is not heard at night “will be consumed by fire.”

Now is the time to fill our nights with learning. Every daf, every pasuk, every line of Mishnah becomes a shield not only for the learner but for the entire New York City.

Seeing the Message in the Madness

Our great mashgichim taught that nothing in world events is random. When Hashem allows a Mamdani to rise, it is a Middah k’neged Middah signal from Heaven. Rav Michel Yehudah Lefkowitz zatzal explained that this is Hashem’s chesed—so that we know exactly where to do teshuvah.

Perhaps we grew complacent, thinking political alliances alone ensure our safety. Perhaps we allowed divisiveness to dull our ahavas Yisrael. Hashem now calls us to unity, purity, and deeper emunah.

If we respond with Tefillah, additional Torah learning, and Teshuvah, then no political leader—no matter how hostile—can prevail against the eternal nation of Hashem.  Let’s not forget the words of the Mishna we recite each morning: V’Talmud Torah K’neged Kulam.

The author can be reached at [email protected]