
In an event that fused legal solemnity with light-hearted camaraderie, Justice Saul Stein was formally inducted as a justice of the Kings County Supreme Court on Monday, April 1. Hosted at the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law’s Moot Court Room, the ceremony attracted a distinguished assembly of judges, legal professionals, and community leaders to celebrate this significant appointment.
Jacob Zelmanovitz, the principal law clerk to Hon. Saul Stein, played a significant role in welcoming guests to the ceremony. Councilmember Kalman Yeger, representing the 44th District, led the proceedings with notable wit as the master of ceremonies. His introductions set the stage for an evening that balanced the gravitas of the judicial role with personal anecdotes and jests aimed at Justice Stein and the speakers themselves.
The event commenced with a procession of judges, followed by the presentation of colors by the ceremonial unit of the New York State Court Officers Association. Nosson Abrams, a Cardozo School of Law alumnus, delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, and Rabbi Moshe David Niederman offered the invocation, grounding the ceremony in a sense of community and tradition.
The lineup of speakers was as diverse as it was illustrious. Hon. Frank Seddio, chairman emeritus of the Kings County Democratic Party, underscored the critical role of judicial talent in upholding the integrity of the bench. Doug Schneider, a district leader and fellow Cardozo alumnus, reminisced about his law school days with Stein, offering insights into the early foundations of Stein’s legal career and his enduring qualities as a friend and colleague.
Dean Judith Jamieson, a retiree from Providence College, and Hon. Edwina Richardson, deputy chief administrative judge for Justice Initiatives, each highlighted different aspects of Stein’s collegiate and professional journey. David Greenfield, CEO of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, and Hon. David Cohen, a justice of the New York State Supreme Court from New York County and a Cardozo alumnus, spoke to Stein’s deep commitment to justice and his impact on the communities he has served.
The oath of office was a family affair, with Stein’s family — wife Leeba, Chesky, Raizy, Rafi, Mattis and JJ, as well as his father David — presenting the judicial robes in a poignant symbol of his personal and professional worlds uniting.
In his closing remarks, Justice Stein expressed his gratitude to all attendees and speakers, reflecting on the ideals of justice as depicted in the Torah and by Maimonides. He spoke of the qualities essential to a judge — wisdom, fairness, and integrity — and his commitment to embodying these principles in his new role.
Born in Montreal, Justice Stein has deep roots in Brooklyn, New York, the birthplace of his mother, which he considers his true home. He embarked on his educational journey at Providence College, earning a B.S. in business science, followed by an M.S. in taxation from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business. His passion for law led him to the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he graduated with a juris doctorate.
Justice Stein’s early career was marked by his tenure as a corporate associate at Wolf and Samson P.C in West Orange, New Jersey, before moving on to Clifford Chance U.S. LLP, where he continued his practice. In 2009, he transitioned to the public sector, serving as principal court attorney for Justice Cohen in the Manhattan Supreme Court. In 2020, he was elected Judge of the Civil Court, Kings County.
Justice Stein has been an active and vocal advocate for the Jewish community and his local neighborhood in Midwood, where he resides with his wife and their five children. He is a former member of Brooklyn Community Board 14 and the social director of his synagogue, Khal Bnei Avrohom Yaakow. His advisory role to the Flatbush Community Fund and his volunteer work with the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty show his commitment to serving those in need.












SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.