Mahopac Rabbi Sarah Freidson honored by State Sen. Harckham

Mahopac’s Rabbi Sarah Freidson was one of three women honored by State Sen. Pete Harckham as part of Jewish American Heritage Month. The recognition, announced at a May 29 ceremony at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, highlighted “exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to strengthening their communities while preserving and celebrating Jewish heritage,” according to Harckham’s office.

Freidson has led Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac since 2014, cultivating what Harckham called a “warm, inclusive congregation focused on spiritual growth, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.” A graduate of Brandeis University and ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary, she was an early advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in religious life. Under her leadership, the temple has hosted public forums, organized blood drives and Holocaust remembrance events, and opened its doors for inclusive Shabbat dinners.

“I am so grateful to be recognized and stand with colleagues and new friends who are committed to building strong and inclusive Jewish communities—and community in general,” Freidson said. “Judaism doesn’t live only within synagogue walls; in fact, if it does, we’re doing it wrong. Judaism lives in our neighborhoods, our relationships, how we show up for work, in conversation.”

She added: “Our goal isn’t just to be a synagogue, but a hub of Jewish living in the Hudson Valley.”

Harckham acknowledged that the recognition comes during a difficult time for Jewish Americans. Just days after the ceremony, a peaceful protest in support of Israeli hostages turned violent, with Jewish demonstrators attacked with a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails in what the FBI called a “targeted act of violence.” A dozen people were reported injured.

“New York is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, so the Jewish American story is very much the New York story,” Harckham said. “As we face a troubling rise in antisemitism, it’s more important than ever to celebrate those who contribute to the rich, diverse tapestry of our state and the Hudson Valley.”

In addition to Freidson, Harckham honored Orit Daly and Rabbi Jennifer Jaech.

Daly, a history teacher turned ceramic artist, is a member of the Hudson River Potters and co-owner of Croton River Artisans Gallery. She teaches at the Katonah Art Center and volunteers with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she is also a dedicated mental health advocate.

Rabbi Jaech, a longtime activist for marriage equality, reproductive rights, and civil liberties, has served on national Jewish advocacy committees and co-authored two books, including He’s All I Have, a resource for families navigating grief.

The commemorative ceremony included official New York State Senate proclamations and was attended by Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Brian Pugh, Deputy Mayor Len Simon, and the honorees’ friends and families. It was streamed live on Facebook and is linked below.