Dr. Seymour Paul (Shmuel Peretz) Lachman z”l, a trailblazing figure in American politics and a tireless advocate for education, government reform, and the Orthodox Jewish community, passed away on January 2, 2025, at the age of 91. His life’s work left an indelible mark on the worlds of academia, public service, and political advocacy.
Early Life And Education
Born in 1933 and raised in Brooklyn, Seymour Lachman grew up in a traditional Jewish household that instilled in him a strong sense of faith and community. His father, Louis Lachman, was a talmid chacham who faced hardship after emigrating from Poland, inspiring Seymour’s dedication to public service and the betterment of Jewish life in America.
As a student at Brooklyn College, Seymour became president of the campus Hillel chapter, where he met Rabbi Norman Frimer, a mentor who influenced his path in community service. During this time, Seymour met his future wife, Susan Altman, through Hillel, leading to a lifelong partnership in academia and public service.
Public Service and the NYC Board of Education
Dr. Lachman’s public service began when Brooklyn Borough President Abe Stark appointed him to the New York City Board of Education in the 1960s. In 1973, he became the first Orthodox Jew to serve as President of the Board. This role brought him into contact with Rabbi Moshe Sherer of Agudath Israel, whom Dr. Lachman regarded as a rebbi and mentor on how to navigate public life as an observant Jew. Together, they worked on critical initiatives, including preserving the public image of the Orthodox Jewish community during challenging times.
One memorable incident, as recounted in Mishpacha Magazine in a November 2023 article by Eytan Kobre, involved Mayor John V. Lindsay. When the mayor insisted on holding a Board meeting on a Saturday, Dr. Lachman explained the sanctity of Shabbos. In response, Mayor Lindsay offered to hold the meeting in Dr. Lachman’s home in Bensonhurst. Despite Lachman’s objections, the mayor arrived with a police entourage, marking a day that was unforgettable for Bensonhurst but emblematic of Lachman’s commitment to his faith and public service.
Dr. Lachman spearheaded efforts to codify student rights and responsibilities, create consultative councils, and ensure schools were closed on all Jewish holidays, benefiting Jewish and non-Jewish students alike. He also played a pivotal role in mediating tensions during the turbulent teacher strikes of the late 1960s and ’70s, helping to foster better intergroup relations.
Political Career
In 1996, Dr. Lachman was elected to the New York State Senate, representing Brooklyn’s 22nd District, which included neighborhoods such as Bensonhurst, Borough Park, and Midwood. He filled the vacancy caused by the election of Martin M. Solomon to the New York City Civil Court. Dr. Lachman was re-elected four times, serving until 2004, and held the position of Deputy Minority Whip from 2003 to 2004.
Known as by far the most conservative Democrat in the Senate during his era, Dr. Lachman often stood apart for his moderate stance on key issues. Despite being a member of the minority party, he played a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of his constituents, especially the Orthodox Jewish community. His tenure included significant legislative accomplishments in equitable funding for non-public schools, efforts to preserve religious liberties, and initiatives to improve housing conditions in Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods.
In 2002, due to redistricting, many believed that the Orthodox Jewish communities of Midwood and Borough Park were being politically quieted. His Senate district was redrawn, and he chose to run in the newly configured 23rd District, which included parts of Staten Island. Despite lower voter turnout compared to his previous campaigns, Dr. Lachman won the race with 20,863 votes. By contrast, his earlier victories in the 22nd District saw double the voter participation.
Dr. Lachman’s experiences in Albany, including political maneuvering and challenges, informed his book, Three Men in a Room: The Inside Story of Power and Betrayal in an American Statehouse. His work remains a critical exposé of the systemic dysfunction in New York State politics and a call for constitutional reform.
In 1996, Dr. Lachman was elected to the New York State Senate, representing Brooklyn’s 22nd District. His tenure was marked by his commitment to systemic reform and ethical governance. As detailed in his book, Three Men in a Room: The Inside Story of Power and Betrayal in an American Statehouse, he exposed the concentrated power and dysfunction in Albany, advocating for a constitutional convention to overhaul New York’s political system.
Dr. Lachman often described his Senate experiences as both rewarding and disheartening. In a 2017 op-ed, he wrote: “The New York State Legislature operates, on paper, through a system of committees with responsibilities for legislation and oversight. In reality, it’s a system in which two leaders wield extraordinary influence.” This perspective informed his lifelong dedication to transparency and accountability.
Advocacy and Jewish Communal Leadership
Dr. Lachman’s contributions to the Jewish community extended beyond politics. He served as chairman of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry, advocating for the freedom of Soviet Jews. His leadership in founding the Southern Brooklyn Community Organization (SBCO) preserved Borough Park as a thriving Jewish neighborhood, while his involvement with the Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS) secured federal funding for yeshivos and enhanced the legitimacy of Jewish higher education.
Dr. Lachman also maintained a deep connection with Torah leaders, including Rav Moshe Feinstein, whose counsel he sought on sensitive community issues. His son, Rabbi Eliezer Lachman, recalls: “My father always sought to uphold the dignity of Torah while navigating complex public systems.”
Legacy and Final Farewell
Dr. Lachman and his wife, Dr. Susan Lachman, resided on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. They shared their neighborhood with figures like former mayor David Dinkins and maintained deep connections to Jewish communities across New York and beyond.
The funeral for Dr. Lachman was held on Friday, January 3, at Shomrei Hadas in Brooklyn. Shiv’ah was observed on Motza’ei Shabbos and Sunday morning in Manhattan, and continued at the home of his daughter in Edison, New Jersey.
Dr. Lachman is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Susan Lachman; his daughter, Mrs. Sharon (and Aaron) Chesir; and his son, Rabbi Eliezer (and Sarah) Lachman. His legacy is defined by his groundbreaking achievements and enduring impact on the Orthodox Jewish community, public policy, and government reform. He paved the way for greater representation of Orthodox Jews in public office and inspired future generations of leaders to engage in civic life.
Visionary Advocate for Justice
Dr. Seymour Paul Lachman’s life was a testament to the profound impact that one individual can have on his or her community and beyond. His work as a trailblazer, advocate, educator, and author ensures that his legacy will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. Eytan Kobre’s article in Mishpacha Magazine aptly captures the spirit of Dr. Lachman’s life, one dedicated to bridging divides and uplifting the Jewish community and society at large.
