Congress's First Blind Rabbi?

Last week's New Yorker had a Talk of the Town piece on the man who hopes to be the first blind rabbi—and in fact, the first rabbi—to serve in the U.S. Congress...

Last week's New Yorker had a Talk of the Town piece on the man who hopes to be the first blind rabbi—and in fact, the first rabbi—to serve in the U.S. Congress.

Dennis Shulman also holds a Harvard Ph.D.—he earned a doctorate in psychology in 1976.

He is trying to unseat incumbent Representative Scott Garrett, a Republican who, according to author Jeffrey Toobin ’82, J.D. ’86, has "the most conservative voting record of any member of the House from the Northeast." In June, Shulman bested opponents Camille Abate and Roger Bacon to win the Democratic primary for the seat, which covers northeastern New Jersey near the Pennsylvania border. 

Toobin's short piece packs in a wealth of biographical information and a few humorous moments. For instance, he quotes Shulman as saying:

"My favorite headline from the primary was 'blind rabbi's opponent is bacon.’”

Most popular

Trump Administration Will Investigate Alleged Visa Fraud at Harvard

The announcement comes two days after a federal appeals court heard arguments about an international students ban.

Research misconduct by former Harvard professor Marc Hauser reported

Federal investigative agency reports on former Harvard psychology professor’s work

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Three hands hold smartphones displaying social media profiles with likes and hearts.

Tell us about how social media impacts your daily life.

A man in a suit speaks at a podium.

David Battat promotes alumni engagement.

University Hall with steps and the John Harvard statue, surrounded by trees and a grassy lawn.

Long-discussed reorganization includes layoffs and the end of the Dudley Community.