Leonard Farbstein

Leonard Farbstein
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 19th district
In office January 3, 1957 – January 3, 1971
Preceded by	Arthur G. Klein
Succeeded by	Bella Abzug
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 4th district
In office January 1, 1933 – December 31, 1956
Preceded by	Samuel Mandelbaum
Succeeded by	Samuel A. Spiegel
Personal details
Born	(1902-10-12)October 12, 1902 New York City
Died	November 9, 1993(1993-11-09) (aged 91) New York City
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Blossom Langer
Children	1
Alma mater	City College of New York New York University Law School Hebrew Union Teachers College

Leonard Farbstein (October 12, 1902 – November 9, 1993) was an American lawyer and politician who served seven terms as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1957 to 1971.

Early life and career

Farbstein was born on October 12, 1902, in New York City to Louis and Yetta (Schlanger) Farbstein. His father, Louis, was a Jewish immigrant from Russia-Poland and worked as a tailor.^[1]

During Farbstein's childhood, he sold newspapers and handkerchiefs after school. In the World War I era, Farbstein as a teenager, served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.^[1]

At war's end, he graduated from High School of Commerce in New York and worked at the Audubon Society during those years. He attended City College of New York and Hebrew Union Teachers College. He received an LL.B. from the New York University School of Law in 1924, and practiced law in New York City.^[1]

Political career

State legislature

Farbstein ran for the New York State Assembly and won his first election in 1932.^[1] He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1933 to 1956.

Congress

He was elected as a Democrat to the 85th United States Congress and the six succeeding Congresses, holding office from January 3, 1957, to January 3, 1971. In 1966, Farbstein was a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.^[1] He was an open supporter of Lyndon B. Johnson's policy on the Vietnam War.^[2][3] In 1970, he was defeated for re-nomination by Bella Abzug.^[4]

Death

Farbstein died on November 9, 1993, aged 91, in New York City, and was interred in Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey.^[1]

Personal life

On September 18, 1947, Farbstein married Blossom Langer, and they had one son whom they named after Farbstein's father.^[1]

Farbstein was an avid tennis player and golfer. He also enjoyed swimming as a form of exercise.^[1]

See also

• List of Jewish members of the United States Congress

References

1. Stone, Kurt F. (2010). The Jews of Capitol Hill: A Compendium of Jewish Congressional Members. Scarecrow Press. p. 204. ISBN 9780810877382.
2. "Farbstein Wins On Viet Nam Issue". The Norwalk Hour. Associated Press. September 28, 1966. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
3. Stone, Kurt F. (2010). The Jews of Capitol Hill: A Compendium of Jewish Congressional Members. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0810877382. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
4. "Be A Bella Booster". The Village Voice. September 10, 1970. Retrieved February 2, 2014.

External links

• United States Congress. "Leonard Farbstein (id: F000015)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Leonard Farbstein at Find a Grave

New York State Assembly
Preceded by Samuel Mandelbaum	New York State Assembly New York County, 4th District 1933–1956	Succeeded by Samuel A. Spiegel
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Arthur G. Klein	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 19th congressional district 1957–1971	Succeeded by Bella Abzug