David Dalin discusses Jewish Supreme Court justices

JCRC Day of Learning

By Joel Pittelman

The Jewish Community Relations Council’s seventh annual Day of Learning was held on March 22. It was the Federation’s first in-person community-wide gathering since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the more than 80 people who gathered at Temple Shalom, approximately 100 households registered to watch the program via live stream.

The Day of Learning (which was actually held in the evening) featured a presentation by Rabbi David Dalin, a senior research fellow at Brandeis University. Dr. Dalin discussed the eight Jewish justices who have served on the United States Supreme Court.

JFGN President/CEO Jeffrey Feld, Board Chair Jane Schiff, JCRC Chair Jeff Zalasky and Day of Learning Chair Joel Pittelman welcome guest speaker Rabbi David Dalin (second from the right).

Dr. Dalin signing Myrna Sadowsky’s copy of his book

As part of his remarks, Dr. Dalin described the differences between the Senate confirmation processes that were experienced by the early Jewish Justices as compared to the confirmation process today. He explained that, in all instances, the religious affiliation of the candidates was well known, but that the earlier Justices were confronted with a different tone when their religious faith was discussed.

Dr. Dalin also addressed the line of occupants of the “Jewish Seat” on the Court and the cause of the temporary interruption of the line of Jewish justices. He talked about the impact that being a Supreme Court justice had on their families as well as the varying degree to which Judaism impacted their lives. Dr. Dalin shared some interesting details of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s tenure and her dedication to her position and provided insight on the effect she might have had on Justice Breyer’s recent decision to step down.

Dr. David Dalin

Jeff Zalasky, JCRC Chair

Before concluding, Dr. Dalin answered a variety of questions from the audience and from those attending by livestream, who sent in their questions via email. We heard Dr. Dalin’s thoughts on the confirmation process that is currently being conducted in the Senate. He also commented on another distinguished Jewish member of the legal profession, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who was nominated to the Supreme Court, but whose confirmation hearings were never held.

Attendees were treated to some anecdotes describing events in several of the justices’ legal careers. Many more interesting stories are included in Dr. Dalin’s book, “Jewish Justices of the Supreme Court: From Brandeis to Kagan,” which is available online from Amazon.

The JCRC and Jewish Federation express our thanks to Dr. Dalin, to all the volunteers who helped with the event, and to our community for your support of the Day of Learning.

Thank you to the Day of Learning volunteers! (back): Joel Pittelman, Steve Yussen, Gayle Dorio, Carol Hirsch, Suzann Yussen and Susan Pittelman; (front): Jan Goldman and Elaine Soffer