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.

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 byArthur G. Klein
Succeeded byBella Abzug
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 4th district
In office
January 1, 1933 – December 31, 1956
Preceded bySamuel Mandelbaum
Succeeded bySamuel A. Spiegel
Personal details
Born(1902-10-12)October 12, 1902
New York City
DiedNovember 9, 1993(1993-11-09) (aged 91)
New York City
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseBlossom Langer
Children1
Alma materCity College of New York
New York University Law School
Hebrew Union Teachers College

Early life and career

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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

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State legislature

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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

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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

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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

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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

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h 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.
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New York State Assembly
Preceded by New York State Assembly
New York County, 4th District

1933–1956
Succeeded by
Samuel A. Spiegel
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 19th congressional district

1957–1971
Succeeded by