New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed over 400 individuals, including five local rabbis, to his transition committees ahead of his inauguration on January 1, 2024. These committees are responsible for shaping policies and preparing the incoming administration for its initial challenges.
Prominent among the appointees are Rabbi Rachel Timoner, who leads the Congregation Beth Elohim in Park Slope, and Rabbi Abby Stein, a vocal supporter of Mamdani’s anti-Zionist perspective. Rabbi Stein will serve on the health committee. Rabbi Ellen Lippman, recently retired from Kolot Chayeinu, where Mamdani attended Rosh Hashanah services, will be part of the social services committee.
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis, is included in the emergency response transition committee. He is notable for being the only Jewish clergy member to participate in the transition committees of both Mamdani and outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, whom Mamdani recently defeated.
Mamdani’s transition team differs significantly from Adams’s, which included a clergy committee with 16 rabbis spanning various denominations, including several from the city’s Modern and haredi Orthodox communities. In contrast, Mamdani has opted not to establish a clergy committee, and his transition teams do not feature any Orthodox rabbis. During his campaign, Mamdani faced criticism from numerous rabbis regarding his positions on Israel, which may have contributed to his limited support from Orthodox voters.
The transition committees will play a crucial role in advising on policy matters, vetting personnel, and fostering relationships between the new administration and the public. Mamdani’s appointments reflect a blend of traditional leadership and representatives from movements typically lacking power in city governance. Notable figures include Kathryn Wylde, head of a prominent fundraising nonprofit, and members of the Democratic Socialists of America, a group central to Mamdani’s political foundation.
Mamdani has established two new committees focused on worker justice and community organizing, which have not been part of previous mayoral transitions. This innovative approach aims to incorporate diverse perspectives into the governance process.
Among other notable Jewish figures in the transition committees are Jonah Boyarin, associated with Jews for Racial and Economic Justice and involved in city anti-Semitism training, serving on the community safety committee; Ruth Messinger, former leader of American Jewish World Service, on the immigrant justice committee; and Masha Pearl, who supports Holocaust survivors, on the social services committee. Mamdani’s high school teacher, Marc Kagan, is also appointed to the transportation committee.
The transition committees exemplify a wide range of perspectives, incorporating individuals whose Jewish identity may not be prominently featured in their public personas. This diverse representation is indicative of Mamdani’s commitment to inclusivity as he prepares to lead New York City into a new chapter.
As Mamdani gears up for his term, the composition of his transition committees underscores a shift towards a more progressive approach to governance, reflecting the values and priorities of a significant segment of New York City’s populace. The effectiveness of these committees will be closely watched as they navigate the complexities of city administration in the coming months.
