Rabbi Uri Pilichowski

The Jerusalem Post recently reported that Congregation Shaare Zion, a large Orthodox synagogue serving the Syrian-Jewish community in Brooklyn, had taken an unprecedented step in the run-up to New York City’s mayoral election: Members and their spouses must show proof of voter registration before they can secure seats for the High Holidays.

“In approximately two months, New York City will be electing its next mayor,” the synagogue’s executive committee wrote, “The outcome of this election could result in very serious problems throughout the city and, in particular, the Jewish communities across the city, including our own. The safety and quality of life for our community and our institutions may be at serious risk. As a result, we have no choice but to require that

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