In Memoriam: Dr. Seymour P. Lachman
We mourn the passing of Dr. Seymour P. Lachman, z”l, an esteemed and beloved JCRC-NY Board Member for decades, long-time political, academic, and communal leader in the Jewish community, New York City and New York State, and mentor to JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger.
Dr. Lachman was the first Orthodox Jewish New York State Senator, serving five terms and as Deputy Minority Whip in his final term, and President of the New York City Board of Education. He was a distinguished professor at Adelphi University and Wagner College and also served as Founding Director and Dean of the Hugh L. Carey Institute for Government Reform at Wagner. An accomplished author, who published several books on New York politics, and a skilled communicator, Dr. Lachman served as Chair of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry and held leadership positions at many Jewish organizations, including UJA-Federation of New York. Dedicated to quality education for children, adolescents, and young adults, Dr. Lachman served as Chair of JCRC-NY’s Coalition for Higher Education in the 1980s and 1990s. He was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Bilingual Education by President Jimmy Carter and reappointed by President Ronald Reagan.
As a student at Brooklyn College, Seymour was President of the campus Hillel chapter and met his wife, Susan. We extend our deepest condolences to Susan, their daughter, Mrs. Sharon (and Aaron) Chesir, and their son, Rabbi Eliezer (and Sarah) Lachman. May they all be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim.
In Memoriam: W. Stewart Cahn
We mourn the passing of W. Stewart Cahn, z”l, an esteemed and beloved JCRC-NY Board Member for decades and long-time Jewish communal leader.
Stewart was a stalwart, wise, and generous Board Member, as well as a dear friend, proud Jew, and passionate Zionist, who also held leadership roles at organizations including UJA-Federation of NY, B’nai B’rith, and Israel Bonds. Stewart and his wife, Sandy, were honorees at JCRC-NY’s 2018 Winter Benefit for their lifelong dedication to the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Professionally, Stewart was President of Cahn Capital Corp, which concentrated in raising equity for early stage Israel technology corporations in areas including cardio and cyber security.
We extend our deepest condolences to Sandy and their family and friends. May they all be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim.
Click HERE for tributes to Stewart.
Time to Reflect, A Time to Give
Friends,
As we celebrate Hanukkah and 2024 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on my first 10 months as CEO at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and all we’ve accomplished as an organization.
This past Rosh Hashanah, we launched our Jewish Value of the Year: hachnasat orchim — welcoming guests. It’s at the heart of how we build community at JCRC-NY and a theme that resonates with me personally as the son of Ukrainian immigrants. Looking back, this value has already carried the organization through much of 2024, and I am filled with pride for what we’ve accomplished thus far.
Since I joined JCRC-NY in March, we’ve partnered with leaders and allies committed to nurturing deeper communal ties. Highlights include:
- Hosting JCRC-NY’s first-ever model Seder with dozens of Holocaust survivors, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and the Council’s Jewish Caucus.
- Paying tribute to four exceptional Jewish community leaders at our 2024 Gala, with the support of over 400 guests, allies, and government officials.
- Marching with 100,000 New Yorkers, including 4,000 members of the October 7th Hostages and Missing Families Forum, to demand the hostages’ safe return on Israel Day on Fifth.
- Honoring U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his leadership and allyship with the Jewish community and presenting him with the inaugural JCRC-NY Shamash Award.
- Hosting our Second Annual Reception at SOMOS, honoring leaders within the NY Latin American community
- Taking the former NYC Public Schools Chancellor and 200 staff to the NOVA Exhibition.
- Leading a solidarity mission to Israel with the NYS Comptroller and Members of the NYS Assembly and NYC Council. We also participated in mission trips to Israel with UJA Federation bringing Rep. Ritchie Torres and labor leaders.
- Celebrating the first ever Jewish AAPI Heritage Celebration with NYC Council Member Susan Zhuang and Marks JCH of Bensonhurst.
These are just some of the events we hosted and special moments we shared with fellow New Yorkers.
It’s also been a year of growth and renewed purpose, with new team members joining us to infuse our work with fresh energy and ideas: Dr. Sara Fredman-Aeder, Adama Ahmed, Gianna Bergman, Sam Dubin, Dr. Ari Finkelstein, Matt Abrams Gerber, Arielle Kaden, Ethan Lustig-Elgrably, Hannah Margolis, and Marcy Rosenbaum.
Looking ahead, JCRC-NY will focus on our 2025 initiatives that prioritize bridging divides and fostering dialogue. In the coming months, we will launch programs that strengthen ties within and beyond the Jewish community, including our fellowships, We Are All Brooklyn and Bridges-NY. As we enter the new year, I invite you to join us in continuing this vital work.
As I shared on Israel Day on 5th, we are not whole until we are all home. We continue to pray every day for the release of all hostages so they can be returned to their loved ones and we see lasting peace and security for Israel and all of its neighbors. May the coming year bring hope, health, and happiness to you and your loved ones.
In solidarity,
Mark Treyger
CEO
Please consider making a gift to ensure we can plan, respond, and grow in the months to come. Your support makes all the difference.
DONATE
Happy Holidays from All of Us at JCRC-NY!
Hanukkah: An Explainer for Community Leaders and Elected Officials
U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Honored with Inaugural Shamash Award
December 20, 2024 – We had the honor of recognizing U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries with JCRC-NY’s inaugural Shamash Award – a meaningful tribute to his unwavering leadership and dedication to the Jewish community and all New Yorkers.
During Hanukkah, the shamash candle serves a unique role – it lights all the other candles on the menorah, spreading its flame to create warmth and illumination for all. Leader Jeffries embodies the spirit of the shamash, consistently standing as a source of strength, guidance, and light for those he serves. His leadership has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change.
In response to rising antisemitic attacks across the state, Leader Jeffries helped launch the Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative to better educate children of all backgrounds on Jewish identity and history, one of JCRC-NY’s main goals. Following the October 7th tragedy in Israel, Leader Jeffries also helped secure over $14 billion in aid to Israel to support the safe return of the remaining hostages, among numerous examples of his commitment to solidarity.
We are deeply grateful to Leader Jeffries for sharing his inspiring words live from Washington, DC and to Frieda Menos, his Director of Constituent Services for accepting the award on his behalf. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sephardic Community Center in Brooklyn for graciously hosting this special event. We also thank our community partners along with our Chair of the Board Cheryl Fishbein, Vice President Sandy Antignas, and Board Members Jennifer Falk, Karen Spar Kasner, and David Moore who came out to support this meaningful celebration.
As we kindle the lights of Hanukkah, let us continue to honor those who dedicate themselves to brightening the world around them. Mazel tov to Leader Jeffries on this well-deserved recognition! 
#ShamashAward #Hanukkah #Leadership #Community
News Coverage:
-
Brooklyn Paper and Politics NY, Lighting the way: JCRC-NY honors Hakeem Jeffries with inaugural Shamash Leadership Award
Sponsors:
Charter Communications
Brown & Weinraub
Kasirer
Mercury
Ryback Development
Partners:
UJA-Federation of New York
Sephardic Community Center
JASA
Jewish Community Council of Canarsie
Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island
Kings Bay Y
PJ Library
Shorefront YM-YWHA of Brighton – Manhattan Beach, Inc.
Early Celebration of Hanukkah at Jewish Bakeries in Brooklyn
December 18, 2024 – 
Donut underestimate how sweet our day was in Brooklyn the week before Hanukkah! We teamed up with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to explore the borough’s iconic Jewish bakeries and savor sufganiyot (jelly donuts) 
—and we even got to learn how to make them! 
Brooklyn’s vibrant Jewish community is a cornerstone of its rich culture, and we’re proud to highlight it not just during challenging times but in moments of joy too.
Huge thanks to Strauss Bakery, Taam Eden Bakery, and Sesame Bakery for the warm welcome and a behind-the-scenes look at the donut magic!
Special shoutout to NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor and CSI Brooklyn Regional Director Adam Berish for joining us on this delicious journey. Extra gratitude to Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso for his support of the Jewish community and spending the day with us.
Wishing everyone a bright and beautiful Hanukkah . Let’s keep lifting up Jewish life and small businesses every chance we get! #HappyHanukkah #SweetCelebrations #BrooklynPride
News Coverage:
Bridges-NY Fellowship Graduation
December 12, 2024 – We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the graduation of the 16 rising leaders from our Bridges-NY Fellowship! Over the past year, these talented individuals have worked hard to prepare for leadership roles in New York City’s diverse communities. The fellowship’s goal is to equip the next generation of change-makers with the skills, knowledge, and relationships needed to foster a more inclusive, shared society.
Throughout the year, our fellows built strong connections with one another, honed their leadership abilities, and gained invaluable insights from mentors and experts in various fields. Their passion, dedication, and inspiring stories have shown us all the power of collaboration and the impact that thoughtful, committed individuals can have on their communities.
We wish them all the best of luck on their continued journeys, and we’ll be here to support and cheer them on in any way we can! A special thank you to Gregg Bishop, Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund at the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, for delivering a powerful keynote speech. We are also grateful to The Jewish Museum, for hosting this beautiful event, and to our proud partners UJA-Federation of New York and Bloomberg Philanthropies, whose support makes this fellowship possible. Together, we’re building a brighter future for New York City and beyond!
#BridgesNY #NextGenLeaders #CommunityImpact #FutureChangeMakers
For more information about Bridge-NY, please click HERE.
NYC Council Hosts an Early Celebration of Hanukkah
December 10, 2024 – The early celebration of Hanukkah hosted by the New York City Council and cosponsored by JCRC-NY was a truly inspiring and uplifting event. Hearing our city’s leaders reflect on Hanukkah’s timeless message of choosing light over darkness was a powerful reminder of resilience and hope, especially during difficult times.
At JCRC-NY, we are deeply committed to deepening understanding and celebrating Jewish identity in New York.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the NYC Council Jewish Caucus, in particular Council Member Eric Dinowitz, for hosting this meaningful celebration. Congratulations to Charlie Tebele and comedian Modi Rosenfeld for their well-deserved awards, and a special thank you to the talented students of the SAR Academy Choir for their beautiful performance.
Together, let us continue to spread light and hope in our communities. 
#Hanukkah #LightOverDarkness #NYCCommunity
