Overview
- Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove told Park Avenue Synagogue congregants not to vote for Zohran Mamdani and endorsed Andrew Cuomo during a Shabbat sermon.
- Cosgrove cited fears for Jewish security tied to Mamdani’s anti‑Zionist rhetoric, and he said congregational reaction was largely positive with leadership backing.
- Prominent voices, including Rabbi Jack Moline, warned that pulpit endorsements risk politicizing houses of worship despite the IRS loosening Johnson Amendment enforcement.
- A national open letter organized by the Jewish Majority and quoting Cosgrove surpassed 1,000 rabbinic signatories by Friday, though Cosgrove declined to sign, saying he avoids group letters.
- Several New York rabbis told congregants they will not endorse candidates and urged conscience voting and dialogue, while progressive group Bend the Arc criticized the letter and supports Mamdani as early voting begins Saturday.